Featured Wood carved man's head, signed. (Maybe not tribal?)

Have no idea where to begin with this, but I couldn't leave it at the thrift for $6.

I realize this might not be tribal in origin, but didn't know where else to post it.

It is signed/dated in the back "Dylan SW? MW?" (not totally sure about the letters) and "1980", it's a fairly heavy piece of wood... 7lbs. Measures approx 13" high. Honestly it's almost the size of a real head, just a bit smaller.

Would this be something that was mass produced in any way? Studio or tourist piece? Some crafter? It seems to have some quality, but honestly that's all I got.

So looking for general comments, just to get me started on my search. Or if anyone can find anything remotely similar, please link. Thanks!

(Sorry the first picture isn't in great focus, but you get the idea.)



There is a section that was repaired or glued. I noticed it at the thrift but decided it was still an interesting piece at the price.







The base:







Thoughts?

 

it's interesting !

 

It is. The image makes me think of an seaman/seafarer or trader. The manner of carving and wood makes me think of some of the Bali carvings I have seen (not a traditional Bali image carving I know) Just my 2 cents

 

Yeah - I'm not allowed to make jokes anymore...........but I'm just wondering who carved that mouth like that - was he surprised by a bear in the forest?

 

My initial thought was maybe some sort of Indian..........?

 

I know, that part is unusual. As if he is speaking maybe?

There are teeth carved in from the top if you look from below.

I know... that's what got me too. Not something you see every day.

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

What is the general consensus of quality of this piece? Thanks.

(Mostly wondering if I should continue to research, or just try to sell for ...$50? It does have that spot of damage.)

 

I would think the hair wrap, the head band and that big earring are good clues to the tribal origin of the man depicted in the carving.

For some reason unknown to me it evokes images of South America. I might have something long forgotten tweaking at me.

Anyway, I think you should wait a little bit for more responses.

 

As to the carving's idea-- perhaps the startled look and the raised arm that might be pointing if it was fully depicted might together be suggesting one of those 'here comes the white men' ideas, as in this statue and the Crazy Horse monument:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_of_the_White_Man


https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/crazy-horse-memorial

 

The features remind me of Moche (Peruvian) portrait jars.


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LarcoPoterie_(28).jpg

 

My thoughts on the piece are that it was made for the tourist/decorator trade, by a non-Native American crafter/carver. The signature is of little help, although it may indicate it was done by a talented student (since it includes a date, which professional artists seldom use in this case.) It might have been a one-off gift.

The face (nose, especially) and type of earrings do indicate a possible South American image, rather than Native American Indian. But it may just be the artist's "interpretation" of an Indian. I agree, it wouldn't be termed "tribal," just an indication of the artist's idea of a tribal image.

Fairly well done, but I doubt researching it further will increase the value any. It just needs to find the right buyers attracted enough by it to want to have it. You should be able to make something on it, but not enough to retire on!