Hand-Carved Wooden Pelican Figural Box

This item is a decorative figural storage box or vessel meticulously hand-carved in the form of a nesting pelican. The piece is constructed from a solid, heavy-grained wood, featuring a split-body design where the upper portion serves as a lid. The exterior displays monochromatic, rustic coloration with a weathered, whitewashed, or lime-waxed finish that has settled into the recessed carvings to highlight the texture. The carving style is folk-primitive, characterized by rhythmic, overlapping scalloped patterns representing feathers across the entire body. The head is tucked back towards the chest in a classic resting pose, featuring a prominent, elongated beak with distinctive grooved lines and a small carved cap on the crown of the head. Physical condition shows a heavy natural patina, intentional distressing, and visible horizontal seam lines where the top and bottom sections meet. There are minor scuffs, varied wood coloration, and slight drying cracks consistent with aged solid wood. The craftsmanship suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century origin, likely inspired by coastal folk art or Southeast Asian woodworking traditions. The piece is substantial in scale, serving as both a sculptural object and a functional container.