You can judge for yourselves from the pictures above or I will share my opinions and past conversations below. I estimate the piece to be approximately 100 years old, give or take 1/4 century. I’m calling it a Jaguar due to the cultural significance. One could argue tiger, leopard or any other cat. There are remnants of black paint on the face and legs that would indicate tiger stripes. I believe it was carved in Southern Mexico or Guatemala, but it could originate from any Latin American country or culture. One appraiser speculated that it was a carnival piece to be carried above your head on a pole during a parade or festival. I disagree with that. I have mounted it on a pole before and it is very awkward to lift. The weight distribution is heavy toward the rear. I believe it would be lighter and better balanced if it was intended for carrying. (see location of pole hole). Because of the painted saddle and location of the pole mount, I agree with the majority of professionals who call it a carousel animal. Probably from a small traveling circus or road show. A small home-made carousel, mounted on a donkey drawn cart, with 4 or 5 animals for toddlers to ride. I spoke with the curator of Latin American Arts at a San Antonio, USA Museum many years ago who agreed. He was excited about the piece and said he was writing a book on Latin American Carousel animals. I wonder if he ever finished it? (NO CHARGE FOR THE STAND). NOTE: Pictures 3 and 4 show him mounted on a mic stand. You can see how he sits on a pole. The hole is right behind the neck and is reinforced on the bottom (picture 11). I’ve enjoyed displaying this unique piece for the past 20 years or so. It is an interesting decorative item, a great conversation starter and fun for speculation. But it is time to move it on to another home. Feel free to ask questions or to make comments. I will be happy to share other opinions below. Condition is as shown in the pictures. Nothing more – nothing less. I’ve not touched it, other than to dust it. As best I can tell, there are many overcoats of paint. There are multiple repairs and reinforcements using tin or steel straps. There are nailed repairs and steel rods inserted. The bottom hole has been reinforced (this may be original to the piece) There are several losses and breaks to the wood. This thing has been well loved, well used and often repaired. Please examine pictures and ask for more if required. Overall height – 17 to the tops of the ears. Overall length – 21 tail to nose. Overall width – 5. Height at rear – 14. Height at painted saddle – 13. Length of legs (front and back) – 11 to the seam. Weight (Jaguar ONLY, no stand, no packing) – almost 12 pounds! NOTE: I had a museum quality weighted copper stand built for display. I’m sorry but I can not extend my usual return guarantee once it leaves the country. Examine the pictures closely and ask any questions you may have. I’ve been specializing in quality art and antiques for the past 40 years. I list to sell. Thank you for your interest and for looking at my auctions. All of my auctions are guaranteed! This item is in the category “Antiques\Ethnographic\Latin American”. The seller is “mishunhunter” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Jamaica, Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Cayman Islands, Martinique, Nicaragua, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay.
- Style: Latin American
- Maker: Folk Art
- Material: Wood
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Color: Multi-Color
