Whirligig 1935 - 1942

Yolande Delasser made this "Whirligig" sculpture, of undetermined date, likely made of carved wood with paint. This folk art piece exists within the complex history of American vernacular expression. The figure’s stylized form and the use of simple materials speak to a tradition outside the formal art academy, a tradition where utility and aesthetic pleasure intertwine. The figure, adorned in what seems to be a formal jacket and bow tie, presents a curious juxtaposition of rural craft and aspirations to gentility. When considering its cultural context, we might ask, what social function did this object serve? Was it a toy, a decorative item, or something more symbolic? Its creation might reflect the economic conditions of its time, where access to mass-produced toys was limited, and handmade objects held greater value. By consulting historical records, folklore archives, and studies of material culture, we begin to understand its significance within a specific community and moment in time. The "Whirligig" is more than just a simple carving; it is a cultural artifact that embodies the stories, values, and ingenuity of its creators.