Archaic Monoxyl Grain Shovel – Folk Art – Haute-loire – Primitive Art

Early 19th Century France – Haute-Loire This magnificent monoxyl grain shovel, carved from a single piece of wood, goes beyond its utilitarian function to embody the ingenuity and authenticity of rural life in the early 19th century. Each hand-crafted object carried within it a story, a soul, and bore witness to a daily life where every gesture had meaning. Used to handle grain on the farms of Haute-Loire, this shovel reflects the hard-working and ingenious life of the French countryside. Its wood, marked by time and use, bears witness to the care and respect that its owners had for it. When it showed signs of wear, it was not abandoned: it reflects the resourcefulness and attachment of the elders to their tools, repaired rather than replaced. Strengthened with bone glue, nails and string, this traditional repair adds to its authenticity and timeless charm. A work at the crossroads of the utilitarian and the artistic: Although originally utilitarian, this shovel rises to the rank of a true sculptural work. Its raw simplicity, its monoxyl shape and its warm patina bring it closer to primitive art and first art. These movements, prized for their authenticity, celebrate the direct and sincere relationship between the craftsman and the material. This shovel could find its place in a collection dedicated to popular art or in an artistic setting, exhibited alongside ethnographic or primitive works. It illustrates a universal gesture: that of the craftsman who, through his work, transcends the utilitarian object into a timeless creation. Condition: The wood shows visible traces of use, in particular a crack carefully consolidated using traditional techniques: bone glue, nails and string. These old repairs testify to the importance of this object for its owners and do not alter its stability in any way. The marks of old xylophages reinforce its authentic character and its history. Dimensions: • Length: 35.5 cm • Height: 8 cm Delivery: Fast and secure shipping via DHL Express, so that this object, full of history and character, arrives in your hands in the best conditions.