The archaeological record of Native American populations shows that tribes throughout North America made decoys from various natural materials such as reeds and animal skin, as early as 2000 years ago. European colonists new to the continent followed suit and eventually developed regional styles of decoy carving reflective of the native waterfowl and migratory species at stops along flyways. This black-and-white working duck decoy was hand-carved from wood blocks, possibly taken from excess telephone poles, in the first half of the 20th century. Decoys are effective hunting tools meant to fool water birds into thinking that a location is safe to rest or feed. Our decoy was probably carved for personal use rather than for the “market” hunting that put such stress on waterfowl populations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unlike many decoys of its period, it does not have glass eyes. Today, with advances in materials and production, most working decoys are factory made. Folk Art and hunting enthusiasts, however, collect the work of master hand-carvers, vintage and contemporary, to display for their artistry and history. Condition: Appears to be all original surface. Dimensions: 10" x 6".