Early to Mid-20th Century Folk Art Carved and Decorated Plaque of Tashtego

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Early to Mid-20th Century Folk Art Carved and Decorated Plaque of Tashtego

About the Item

Folk Art Carved and Decorated Plaque of Tashtego, early to mid-20th century, a flat carved panel image of a Native American man, with feather headdress, tattoos and jewelry, bearing a harpoon with line. The image can only be that of Tashtego, the Gay Head Indian harpooneer from Martha's Vineyard in Moby Dick. Tashtego was an Aquinnah Wampanoag from Martha's Vineyard. He was not only a realistic component of a New England whaling crew of the period, but also a very important character in the Moby Dick narrative, and an even more important component of the symbology and cosmology of Melville's novel. The plaque is boldy carved out of a thick plank of coarse wood, and painted in a subdued and very effective manner. The scarifications or tattoos on the body and face are precisely rendered, and seem quite faithful to that portrayed in 17th and 18th century illustrations of the Wampanoag people, and Northeast Woodlands tribes in general. It is also nice to see a feather headdress appropriate and authentic to the region, rather than the common mistake of using a more familiar bonnet from the Great Plains peoples. The harpoon and line provide a mixed media touch and add to the three dimensional quality of the sculpture. This piece came out of an old collection on Nantucket, and is believed to have been found on that island of great whaling history. However there have been inns and other businesses adopting the Tashtego name over the years on Martha's Vineyard, so it is quite possible (even likely) that the ultimate origin was on that neighboring island. The plaque was most likely a trade sign for an inn, tavern or other local business. The plaque has the cracks and weathering expected in a sign, but remains in very good condition: strong and stable, and with clearly legible decoration. Measures: 31 ¼ in H x 11 5/8 in W.

Dimensions:
Height: 31.25 in (79.38 cm)Width: 11.63 in (29.55 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1940s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
Seller Location:
Nantucket, MA
Reference Number:
Seller: AD - JH - AEYY1stDibs: LU903921342922