Elijah Pierce (American, 1892-1984), Folk Art Carved Alligator

Not dated but circa 1970s, carved and painted wood with inset plastic teeth, 'jewel' eyes, applied to a painted wooden platform, signed on the bottom "E. Pierce."

21.5 x 5 x 2.25 in.

From the Collection of the late Leon Schenker. Born in Switzerland, Mr. Schenker was a professor emeritus of art and an artist who lived in New York, Ohio, and North Carolina.

Purchased directly from the artist.

Pierce was a self taught carver who eschewed the family farming tradition to follow his own path. That path led him eventually from Mississippi to Columbus, Ohio, and a unique two room barber shop with one room reserved for carving. When a carving was complete, Elijah used paint and shellac as finishing touches. Pierce's work is a staple of many private collections; the Columbus Museum has many examples in its permanent collection.


Some debris attached to proper rear left foot, likely original.

$800 - 1,200