12" x 5" x 5.5".

An exceptional example of an early carnival figure, this ventriloquist head of an African American man was carved by Twitter Johnson in Pictou, Nova Scotia, 1920s-30s. Illustrated in "Spirit of Nova Scotia" by Richard Henning Field, plate 83 and described as being a dramatic example of a ventriloquist head used in a minstrel show or carnival. In early surface with original paint, original hair (fur) along the forehead, and with glass eyes. Carved from two pieces of softwood joined at the middle; the original hollow interior for the ventriloquist's hand now holds the mouth action mechanism. Mounted for display.

The original painted surface is charred in places, primarily at the back and left neck area, as if it were rescued from a fire. Expected wear, paint loss to the right cheek.