Aleutian Canada Geese (rig of three geese)

Delwyn Herbert, Aleutian Canada Geese (rig of three geese), 1999, tupelo and acrylic paint, A: 11 ¹⁄₈ x 16 ⁵⁄₈ x 8 ³⁄₈ in. (28.2 x 42.3 x 21.2 cm) B: 10 ¹⁄₈ x 16 x 8 ¹⁄₄ in. (25.7 x 40.6 x 21.0 cm) C: 9 ¹⁄₂ x 16 ³⁄₈ x 8 ³⁄₈ in. (24.1 x 41.7 x 21.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Del and Judy Herbert, 1999.61A-C

Artwork Details

Title: Aleutian Canada Geese (rig of three geese)
Artist: Delwyn Herbert
Date: 1999
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: A: 11 ¹⁄₈ x 16 ⁵⁄₈ x 8 ³⁄₈ in. (28.2 x 42.3 x 21.2 cm) B: 10 ¹⁄₈ x 16 x 8 ¹⁄₄ in. (25.7 x 40.6 x 21.0 cm) C: 9 ¹⁄₂ x 16 ³⁄₈ x 8 ³⁄₈ in. (24.1 x 41.7 x 21.2 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Del and Judy Herbert
Mediums: acrylic
wood
Mediums Description: tupelo and acrylic paint
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Subjects: Animal — bird — goose
Object Number: 1999.61A-C
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.61A-C

Artwork Description

A successful decoy must be able to right itself when thrown upside down in water, as other animals would immediately be suspicious of a bird floating on its side. These decoys of Aleutian Canada geese are carved from buoyant tupelo wood, and their straight sides and flat bottoms help them to balance in rough waters.