Vintage Cigar Store Corn Indian Maiden Carved Wooden Figure by Ralph Gallagher

Description

This is a most fantastic vintage Cigar Store Indian Corn Maiden hand-carved by the legendary Ralph Gallagher sometime in the 1980s.
Wood figures such as this were first created when the Native Americans introduced the English settlers to tobacco in the 1600s. Shop owners would put them outside their stores to let people know that they sold tobacco inside. Fast forward now to the 1840s and a Native American Indian from the Man-Dan tribe started making furniture and carving his own similar sculptures. Following the tradition of many (Indian) laborers of the time, this Native American took his employer’s surname and became known as “Samuel Gallagher”. And so, the “Gallaghers” and a long line of master craftsman were born! From Samuel, through Ralph (who sadly passed away aged 74 in 2000) and all the way to Frank & John today, the Gallaghers have become synonymous with fine Native American carving. Their pieces from the 1840s are virtually priceless (- indeed one of the original Gallagher sculpture’s is on display at the Smithsonian Institute –) but the more modern sculptures also remain most desirable. Today’s pieces by Frank and other family members are plentiful, but carvings by Ralph Gallagher were featured in “Arizona Highways” and are highly sought after throughout the USA.
This particular Maiden is a fantastic work of art. She has been carved with intricate precision by Ralph - just look at all of the detail - her face, her headband, her braids, belt, corn, the creases in her gown! Absolutely  stunning! She stands at just under 3 foot high (it’s 32 3/4” tall) and the base is 8 inches in diameter. She weighs 20.5lb. For some reason Ralph Gallagher did not sign a lot of his carvings and this is one of his unsigned pieces. For a piece that is about 40 years old, it is in quite excellent condition – of course it shows signs of wear and age as all great vintage pieces do – but it simply oozes history and spirit. It’s been carved from a large chunk of Aspen Wood (from Colorado) and it does have cracks in it here and there. Natural wood does crack, it is just part of the natural process, and in this case it adds wonderfully to the authenticity and character of the piece.
This is an utterly unique conversation piece which will look great in the home, office, Man Cave or even the storefront! It is a true piece of American heritage and South-Western Americana history.
Ready now for immediate shipping.
This figure is in excellent condition, but of course it shows signs of wear and age as all great vintage items do. It has been carved from  Aspen Wood and it does have cracks in it here and there. Natural wood does crack, it is just part of the natural process. Examine ALL the pictures closely. The pictures serve as a document to its condition. Zoom in & out to get a good sense of it's exact condition: a picture tells a thousand words. You will receive the exact figure pictured here.