Vintage Articulated Wooden Snakes – Pair of Jointed Folk Art Sculptures

A wonderfully unusual pair of vintage articulated wooden snakes, each measuring approximately 46 cm / 18.1 in long.

Each snake is constructed from numerous individually connected wooden segments, allowing the body to bend, curve and “slither” into different positions. Their articulated construction gives the pieces an almost lifelike movement and makes them particularly striking decorative objects.

The snakes feature carved wooden heads with expressive open mouths, red-painted details and long tapering tails. Their dark brown bodies are decorated with warm brown and ochre geometric patterns, giving them a distinctive folk-art character.

The pair comes from Estonia and is believed to date from the Soviet era. The exact maker, place of manufacture and production date are unknown, so the pieces are offered as unattributed vintage wooden folk-art objects.

Details

• Set of 2 articulated wooden snakes
• Length: approx. 46 cm / 18.1 in each
• Material: wood
• Multiple connected wooden segments
• Flexible articulated / jointed construction
• Carved and painted wooden heads
• Open mouths with red-painted interiors
• Red-painted eye details
• Dark brown, brown and ochre geometric decoration
• Long tapering tails
• Acquired in Estonia
• Maker unknown
• Exact country of manufacture unknown
• Believed to date from the Soviet era
• Sold together as a pair

Condition

• Good vintage pre-owned condition
• Age-related wear is visible throughout
• Paint loss, rubbing, and surface wear are present, particularly around the heads and mouths
• Minor scratches, marks, and handmade irregularities are visible
• The articulated bodies remain flexible and can be arranged in different positions
• Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description

Full of character and movement, these unusual wooden snakes would make a fascinating addition to a collection of vintage folk art, wooden toys, kinetic objects, curiosities, or Eastern European decorative art.

They also make distinctive display pieces, with their long articulated bodies allowing them to be arranged in a variety of shapes and positions.

Sold as a pair of two wooden snakes shown in the photographs.

Add this unusual pair of articulated folk-art snakes to your collection!