Mark McNair Root-head American Egret

Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, c. 1990 32 in. long

A grand egret decoy with a hollow body and root-head. It is clear the maker enjoyed creating this bird. The head is removable and fits into the body with a mortise-and-tenon joint. The oak branch used for the head was finished with stylized incised and embossed details. The hollow cedar body is vertically laminated and the halves are held together with wooden pegs and sealed twine wraps at the body seam. Keeping the emphasis on the wood and construction, the bird was painted in a wash. The incised "McNAIR" signature is found on the underside. An original base is included with this lot. Original paint with minimal wear.