Cane inscribed THY ROD AND THY STAFF – THEY COMFORT ME

Unidentified, Cane inscribed THY ROD AND THY STAFF--THEY COMFORT ME, 1911, carved, incised, punched, and lacquered birch, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.8
Copied Unidentified, Cane inscribed THY ROD AND THY STAFF--THEY COMFORT ME, 1911, carved, incised, punched, and lacquered birch, 35 781 781 78 in. (91.14.74.7 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.8
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Artwork Details

Title
Cane inscribed THY ROD AND THY STAFF – THEY COMFORT ME
Artist
Unidentified
Date
1911
Dimensions
35 781 781 78 in. (91.14.74.7 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved, incised, punched, and lacquered birch
Classifications
Keywords
  • Religion — New Testament
  • Animal — reptile — snake
  • Animal — reptile — lizard
  • Dress — accessory — cane
Object Number
1986.65.8

Artwork Description

Artists decorate canes with a wide variety of images, from traditional carvings of snakes and birds, to nude women, political figures, and celebrities. Some artists highlight the natural shape of the wood by applying relief designs onto twisted branches and roots, while others carve three-dimensional shapes into the shaft. Images of animals are the most popular decoration, but many canes also show patriotic, fraternal, and political themes. (George Meyer, American Folk Art Canes, 1992)