Mid 20th Century Folk Art Cowboy Rodeo Whirligig, circa 1940s to 50s

Mid 20th Century Folk Art Cowboy Rodeo Whirligig, circa 1940s to 50s, comprising four carved and painted cowboys mounted on horseback riding in a circle as turned by the wind. each naive figure has a carved head with detailed features, on simple bow-legged body, with carved stick arms ending in detailed hands, and wearing a Stetson made of copper pipe and sheet. Each rider is astride a wonderfully naive steed with tall alert ears, tack eyes and a long straight out tail. The men are painted with white faces and green clothing; the horses are painted brown. The figures are set on an open square frame atop cross-bars that hold broad copper shaped paddles to catch the wind. The entire gig is presented on an iron museum mount. The sculpture has a great whimsical mood, with the grumpiest looking cowboys you’ve ever seen, and mounts with ears so prominent they look like startled mules! Despite having started its life working outside in the wind and weather, the whirligig remains in surprisingly good condition. There is the expected wear to the original paint, especially on the front of one dude; and two of the cowpokes are missing one arm. Whirligig: 12-1/2 in High x 24-1/2 in Long x 24 in Wide Mounted: 23-1/2 in High