1938 American Folk Art Whirligig of Dust Bowl Era

1938 American Folk Art Whirligig of Dust Bowl Era:

North America, United States, 1938. A fabulous piece of American folk art – a large whirligig/sign comprised of painted wood and metal – likely intended for a barn or farmhouse. On one side, the piece presents the year “1938” boldly delineated in black on white and flanked by a pair of American flags. On the opposite side are two endearing dancing mice along with the profile portrait head of a man, also flanked by two American flags. These metal flags – painted in their red, white, and blue glory – are also curved so as to add to their kinetic quality as the whirligig spins. At the center of the piece is a metal pole, about which the sign would have rotated in the wind, with a spherical finial that is also painted red, white, and blue. Size: 49″ W x 17″ H (124.5 cm x 43.2 cm)

Why was the year 1938 being celebrated? Quite a few major events occurred during 1938; however, given that this piece was likely used to decorate a barn or farmhouse, this grand visual statement of American pride may have been inspired by the passing of the Agricultural Adjustment Act. In February of 1938, the United States Congress passed the Second Agricultural Adjustment Act, replacing the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933. As part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal program, this Act gave price support for wheat, corn, and cotton in order to ensure regular supply during times of low production, as farmers were greatly impacted by The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The Second Agricultural Adjustment Act also established the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and assured support for other crops until 1940.

Provenance: ex-House of Ancestors, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#167028
CONDITION
There is an old repair (measuring about 2″ x 2″) in front of the man’s mouth. Some age cracks, wear to pigments, and weathering as expected. Otherwise, the decorative program is still very strong, and the form is remarkably well preserved.