This intriguing sculpture is at first very
mystifying. Is it a purely artistic creation? Or a
whim of an eccentric artist? To our surprise we
learn it is a churn for making butter! The milk
was poured into the wide funnel and gently
swung back and forth. The vessel is so
beautifully balanced this act can be performed
with one hand, while the other hand is busy
doing something else. This extraordinary
sculpture was made for a special purpose and for
a person of high rank. The front depicts a man
wearing a mask. He is bedecked with jewelry, has
a nose ring and is naked- all features indicating
his exalted status. The artist must have
relished this commission. It's entire design is
brimming with inventiveness and whimsy. The
fantastic animals are so realistically done they
have a life of their own. There is a jaguar on the
back handle and the zoomorphic feet depict an
alligator or snake and gives the whole object
stability. This is a conversation piece, which will
always amuse, delight, surprise, and keep
everyone guessing!
- (PF.4437)
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