ANTIQUE WOOD ELEPHANT Figure With Mahout, Howdah and Passenger Kondapalli Bommalu India Toy popular Hand Carved and Hand Painted Lover Collect Gift

ANTIQUE HAND CARVED WOOD INDIAN ELEPHANT TOY FIGURE

Elephant With Mahout (Driver), Covered Howdah and Passenger

Marvelous antique toy elephant. Hand carved and hand painted. Quite a bit of paint loss / chipping, some missing details at the top of the Howdah and the passenger has lost one arm, but really in amazing condition for it's advanced age. Likely made in the late 1800's or early 1900's in Kondapalli Bommalu, India, where the local artists have a 400+ year history of crafting similar toys. This sweet elephant still has both of his original delicately carved tusks and long thin tail. The Mahout is perched behind his head and is holding a metal goad or bullhook. Behind him on the elephant's back rests a Howdah with a hand carved wood man inside. If you pull up on the Howdah, it, and the passenger come off. They popular are both held on by fitting over a thin metal rod in the elephant's back. Looking at the top of the Howdah, there are two worn circles that look like something is missing. I believe originally there were decorative wood spires or other shapes in those spots that have been lost over the years.

This wonderful antique toy will be a fine addition to your India, toy or elephant collection. It really catches they eye when on display!

Approx. 8"H x 6"L x 2.25"W. SOLD AS FOUND. Please see extensive pictures for condition details, they are an important part of the description.

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