Every time I look at this carving, I see it differently--sometimes thinking it is a woman represented and sometimes a man; sometimes thinking African American and sometimes thinking it feels a bit Germanic or even Dutch. My best guess is it is a portrait of a black woman, and that the carving is American, but I don't know for sure. In any case, I really like how expressionistic it feels in addition to its elusiveness, which is amplified by the darkness of the stain to the wood.
4 7/16" t x 1 3/4" w x 3/4" d. I found it with a brass hole screwed into the top, which is easily removed. It will stand on its own. Very good condition, I would guess 1930s-1940s or so.
