We have always considered and collected these commercial masks and helmets as industries tribal art. Examples can be elegant in their simplicity or bazaar and complex. They are always unique, suprising and filled with personality.
Truffle Pig|Large Articulated 1800s French Trade Stimulator
This five foot plus papier mâché pig was used as a fund raiser or trade stimulator. The brass stomach plaque has a coin slot and reads in French... Put 1 Franc - I give one Truffle. Inside the pig is a shoot that takes the coin to a paper cache bucket. There is also a rope that is pulled by the store owner to nod the pigs head in thanks. It item is a real survivor and an impressive example of early advertising. 63 in.Hx24 in.Wx24 in.D $6,700
