Cultural Objects, Folk Art

Wooden Swan

People
Maker/Creator: Selma Keith
Date
1992
Places
Floyd (Courthouse District)
Material/Medium

Wood

Specifications
  • Height: 21 inches
  • Length: 18 inches
  • Width: 9 inches
Description

This sculpture is carved out of a single piece of wood painted black. Beak and neck details are also painted with tacks serving as eyes. The swan’s wings are represented by etched outlines on each side.  A crack has formed along the length of the body.

Keywords
Swan, folk art
Bio Sketch

Nathaniel Selma Joe Keith (1913-1999) loved antiques and had an artist’s eye. A saw blade with a landscape he painted is also part of our Folk Art Collection. Selma was the son of Andrew Jackson and Mattie Keith and was married to Josie Alderman.