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.

Large Mid 1800s Zinc Automaton Elephant

175 years ago this was created as a fountain that worked on water and counter weights. The elephant can now be plugged in and runs on dry land using a motor, cables and gears. The head moves up and down and the trunk curls up looking very life like. Its made out of zinc panels that were cut and hammered into shape then soldered together. The eyes are glass. Zinc is rust proof and thats why it survived. Its a about 60 inches long… Think of a baby elephant. The aged patina even has the right elephant color. The the skill this took to create as well as mechanize this amazing Folk Art object. 60″x 30″x 38″… $7200

SKU: 883838863292

//