Larry Kirack Snakey-head Brant

Larry Kirack (1918-1970) Eureka, CA, c. 1945 15 in. long

The wonderful serpentine form and published history of this decoy have rightfully made it an icon of the Northwest and, along with the brant from Capt. Olsen's rig, it is among the most sculptural and recognizable of the Pacific’s floating brant decoys.

In addition to being a brant hunter on Humboldt Bay, Kirack was a boatbuilder and a skilled craftsman. The neck is inletted through the entire height of the body, down to the bottom of the breast. Iterating this emphasis on structural integrity, the bill is inlaid through the entire head. As testament to his craft, although battle tested, this decoy did not break. Old working paint with gunning wear.

Provenance: August Sebastiani Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 126, exact carving illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 44, related carvings illustrated.

Provenance

August Sebastiani Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above