Native American Figurine

Posted by Barbara (Florida, United States) on 9 January 2008 in Lifestyle & Culture.

Another small wood treasure given to me. A few years ago an elderly man in his 80's wanted me to have this, along with another one similar. His story was that as a child around 5 years old, he use to play with these. Both Native American figurines are very brittle with cracks.
Under the base there is a name Elastolier. I have made search attempts online to learn more about this vintage figurine with no results.
I am uncertain what the figurine is made out of, it is not wood and too lightweight for metal. Figurine measures approximately 4 x 4 inches. The feather staff makes height approximately 5 1/2 inches.
120

Comments (13)

Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia

Thank you for sharing an interesting bit of history with us, Barbara. Very nicely portrayed with excellent detail and color.

9 Jan 2008 5:16am

Inés from Namur, Belgium

Thanks for the story ! illustrated by a so nice shot !

9 Jan 2008 6:21am

kairospix from Singapore, Singapore

could it be clay?
nice capture!
it's moving to know he wants you to have his treasures which probably be all that will remain to remember him by...

9 Jan 2008 9:17am

@kairospix: Interesting and appreciated response. I never gave clay a thought. It is very possible it is some form of clay. The figurine has been molded and in some areas I can tell there is wire inside. Indeed it was a treasure when he gave the figurines to me. I could see it in his eyes that he had great thought to part with them. That is why I take great care in keeping them behind glass among other collectibles. The fellow passed on early last year. Your comment and suggestion is sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

eddy from Tehran, Iran

:) thanks

9 Jan 2008 10:42am

Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States

What a lovely gift and I'm guessing he knew you have native American Indian ancestry. You captured your treasure beautifully, Barb!

9 Jan 2008 12:14pm

@Judy: Thank you Judy. It was shortly after this elderly fellow heard of my ancestry is when he presented them to me. I could tell they were special to him and wanted to pass them on to someone who would take care of them. Thank you for your kind comment.

Lydie et Roland from BESANCON, France

Ah ah ! You've got a warrior too ! It's a fine gift.

9 Jan 2008 1:05pm

@Lydie et Roland: Yes, a warrior in full headdress with his staff of eagle feathers. My first thought was to title it "The Warrior" but I did not want to symbolize war. Peace is what we are in need of in these times. Thank you for your comment.

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

mmm I love everything about this, the photo, the story, the quest...Bravo Barbara!

9 Jan 2008 3:31pm

Dang from Marietta, United States

Sounds Kairospix might be on to it. Another nice one, Barb.

9 Jan 2008 3:40pm

Ina from Krugersdorp, South Africa

A special gift to a special person.... hope you find the information you are looking for!

9 Jan 2008 5:14pm

@Ina: Thank you so much for your kind words Ina. Just yesterday I was looking at the special gift of yellow roses. Thank you again.

Wolfgang Prigge from Canada

An interesting photo of an interesting object, seems like you are putting you lightbox to good use...

9 Jan 2008 9:25pm

Yolanda from Barcelona, Spain

First I saw the image, and I think "It's funny photo", but now I read the story and I think that It's a great shot and a very interesting story. Thanks for all.

9 Jan 2008 10:01pm

Bob from New Jersey, United States

Cool close up and nice story.

10 Jan 2008 2:24am

Twelvebit from Victoria, United States

Funny, do a search on Elastolier and you get this page. However, I'm betting what you have is this. Here's a quote from the article:

Hausser continued to use the brand name Elastolin after it began production of de-Nazified figures of World War II-era German soldiers and others in a hard polystyrene plastic in place of the older sawdust-based composition material in 1955. It also introduced new lines of Roman soldiers, Huns, Vikings, Normans, 17th century Turks, and "trappers" (cowboys) and American Indians at this time. Hausser-Elastolin also manufactured personality figures of Prince Valient and at least one or two other characters from the popular comic strip and feature film [more information to be added]

Collectors recognize several distinct production series (or types) of these plastic figures. Some were sold fully painted as with the older composition figures, others were sold unpainted. However, plastic figures cannot be correctly ID'd or appraised in terms of value without reference to the color of the plastic. The rarity of some figures is also determined by the color of their clothing; some colors are rarer than others.

11 Feb 2008 3:15pm

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