Quaker figure
North America, 19th century
 
Skillfully carved hardwood with a height of approximately 32.5 cm, unsigned. Minor nicks, else a rather nice example. An intriguing piece of folk art representing an important religious group in American history, one that played a big role in the Abolitionist Movement.
 
“The field of American folk art was first defined at the turn of the twentieth century by collectors, professional artists, critics, dealers, and curators whose search for an authentic American art seemed to be finally answered in works that presented a nuanced picture of national identity, faith, progress, ingenuity, community, and individuality.”(Folk Art Musuem)