Whirligig with Woman Churning and Man Sawing

Copied Unidentified, Whirligig with Woman Churning and Man Sawing, 1920s, cut, turned and painted wood; metal; cloth; porcelain doll parts, 27 123311 78 in. (72.083.832.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase from the folk art collection of David L. Davies, 1992.1.6
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Whirligig with Woman Churning and Man Sawing
Artist
Unidentified
Date
1920s
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
27 123311 78 in. (72.083.832.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase from the folk art collection of David L. Davies
Mediums Description
cut, turned and painted wood; metal; cloth; porcelain doll parts
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Occupation — industry — lumber
  • Occupation — domestic — cooking
Object Number
1992.1.6

Artwork Description

Farmers created whirligigs to entertain their children and decorate their gardens. These colorful, animated devices also added an element of fun to an otherwise demanding life in rural America. This piece shows the everyday activities of churning butter and sawing wood. When the wind blows, the lady’s arms move up and down and the man’s saw moves back and forth. The large painted arrow on the back of the whirligig suggests it was also used as a weather vane.