Hand-Carved Wooden American Bison Sculpture

This is a meticulously hand-carved wooden sculpture of an American Bison (buffalo) in a dynamic, forward-striding pose. The item is crafted from a single block of medium-toned hardwood, possibly walnut or mahogany, exhibiting a warm brown hue with a smooth, matte finish that highlights the grain. The physical construction demonstrates high-level craftsmanship, particularly in the rendering of the animal's heavy mantle. The sculptor used fine, repetitive vertical chisel marks to simulate the dense, shaggy texture of the bison's fur around its head, hump, and forelegs. Notable anatomical details include realistic horn curvature, small inset dark eyes (possibly glass or polished stone beads), and a detailed muzzle. The legs are slender but sturdy, captured in a mid-step gait that suggests power and movement. In terms of condition, the sculpture appears to be in very good vintage state with no visible cracks, chips, or major repairs; there is a light layer of surface dust and a gentle patina consistent with a late 20th-century origin (circa 1970s-1990s). While no maker's mark is immediately visible in this view, the quality of the carving suggests a skilled artisan, likely from the American West or a folk-art tradition specializing in wildlife. The piece stands as a fine example of wildlife realism in wood, showing no signs of mass-production mold lines.