This wonderful figure was made in the 1800’s – fashioned from the biggest vertibrae of of a horse, or possibly an ox. These began to appear in the inns and drinking houses of 18th & 19th century rural communities, They were painted with human features and flowing robes, appearing like a raging preacher with his arms in the air – they were made to poke fun at the rise of fanatical methodist preachers who were terrorizing villagers with their tales of fire & brimstone damnation.
I particulary love that these were most commonly seen in pubs! – This is a very rare piece, the only one i’ve seen in all my years in the trade, although im aware of a couple that exist in country museums they almost never appear for sale. A one – off opportunity to aquire an iconic and authentic piece of antique English Folk art.
