This wonderful carving of a nude woman--who, I presume, based on her face and black hair, gathered in the back, is Native American--makes me want to stand up straighter and carry myself with even half of the dignity she seems to possess. I don't know anything about the origins of this carving, which I purchased (along with a stunning architectural whimsy) from a terrific dealer at Todd Farm Flea Market in Rowley, MA, but am pretty certain she is quite old. The black paint of her hair and brown of her body has aged and worn some highlighting the knife marks of her carving and revealing green undertones in the paint. From the stoic expression on her face to way she clasps her arms behind her back, wrist in hand, to the way her leg emerges from the base, I find her completely compelling. 

This carving measures 7 1/2" tall x 2 1/2" wide x 1 5/8" deep and is in very good presumed antique condition, with no cracks or splits.