Cane with Turned Parts, Mica, and Photographs

Media - 1986.65.24 - SAAM-1986.65.24_1 - 62492
Copied Unidentified, Cane with Turned Parts, Mica, and Photographs, probably 20th century, turned, carved, and varnished wood with mica, bone, horn, metal and photograph, 34 381 381 38 in. (87.43.63.6 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.24
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Cane with Turned Parts, Mica, and Photographs
Artist
Unidentified
Date
probably 20th century
Dimensions
34 381 381 38 in. (87.43.63.6 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums Description
turned, carved, and varnished wood with mica, bone, horn, metal and photograph
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure male
Object Number
1986.65.24

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)