Bittern1880–19007 1/2 × 5 1/2 × 26 3/4"Paint on woodGift of Mr. & Mrs. George F. Wick1985.29.10(including construction) Graceful and abstract silhouette carving of bird constructed of flat piece of wood with small head curving to sweep of neck, swell of underbody tapering to pointed tail. Two flat wings curved outside with sharply angled ends, applied to sides with two nails , front. Chisel marks on wings. The whole stained seinna with rough white painting underside of bird and black markings on face, back and wings. Decoy152876953Artist unidentifiedTools and EquipmentThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesUnited StatesNew YorkNew JerseyWildfowl Decoys
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orgKeep, could be working or ornamental.The bittern decoys belong to that group known as "plumage decoys" and were primarily by feather hunters. The exotic plumes of birds such as the bittern, egret, heron, etc. were dyed and used in ladies fashions from the 1870's to the turn of the century. Occasionally these birds were taken for food. After a ban on the wholesale slaughter of these birds for their feathers, hunters used them as "confidence" birds, set among a group of more common birds to lend an air of naturalness to the scene, thereby creating a false sense of security.Decoy18801900 1985 29 1
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orgKeep, could be working or ornamental.The bittern decoys belong to that group known as "plumage decoys" and were primarily by feather hunters. The exotic plumes of birds such as the bittern, egret, heron, etc. were dyed and used in ladies fashions from the 1870's to the turn of the century. Occasionally these birds were taken for food. After a ban on the wholesale slaughter of these birds for their feathers, hunters used them as "confidence" birds, set among a group of more common birds to lend an air of naturalness to the scene, thereby creating a false sense of security.Decoy