34.5(H) x 2.25(W) Handle: 6.75(W)

Quebec. Second half 19th C. An Iroquois/Christian Resurrection cane. Hardwood, painted black. A cane with beautifully stylized carving of a beaver for handle, attributed to the same carver as the cane featured in 'Canadian Folk Art to 1950' (Fleming/Rowan, p.400). The shaft is extensively carved with figures under a tree, bird, rooster, Christ on the cross, snake, turtle, lizards and fish. Some figures in brown paint/varnish. Later ferrule to tip. Good condition. Approximately six of these 19th century Quebec canes have surfaced. Most are topped with pommel handles above a strongly relieved snake entwining religious and indigenous symbols. All feature a serpent coiling up the staff towards a crucifix and tree of life. Only two are known with "beaver" handles. 34.5(H) x 2.25(W). Handle 6.75(W). From the Jim Fleming collection. $4000/6000.