"wolf's Head" Haute Epoque In Sculpted Stone, 17th Century.

Beautiful curiosity of Haute Epoque folk art depicting a "wolf's head". This rare representation is originally a stone key adorning the center of the upper crosspiece of an opening (door or window), which explains the particular size of the sides of the piece. Since the Middle Ages, it has been a popular tradition in certain regions of France to hang a representation of a wolf above the door of sheepfolds to keep the predator away from the herds; this rural and popular iconography could be simply hung on the wall (it could sometimes be a real severed wolf's head) or a piece of wood or sculpted stone inserted into the wall of the building. Nervous and expressive sculpture made in a red ochre sandstone as found in the eastern provinces of France. Good condition of use and presentation; note a small chip formerly glued on the wolf's nose (see photo). Object of curiosity for collectors. Work from the East of France from the 17th century. NB / Shipping possible to France via tracked Colissimo: 30 euros.