ATTRIBUTED TO THOMAS V. BROOKS (1828-1895), NEW YORK AND CHICAGO, 1860-1880

Carved with a foreboding expression and an outstretched hand, this warrior is at once intimidating and welcoming. This particular warrior is closely related to an Indian figure in private collection that is attributed to Brooks. Illustrated by Frederick Fried (Ibid, fig. 158, p. 185), the related example is of similar size and proportions. However, the present lot exhibits a highly detailed carved feather skirt and more severe expression. The two figures share an almost identical stance since they are both leaning against a naturalistically carved elbow-height tree stump. Brooks was particularly well-known for his "leaning" figures, which were presumably designed to provide additional support for the weight of the figure. Other leaning figures attributed to Brooks are illustrated by Frederick Fried (Ibid, figs. 155 and 157, pp. 183-184) including a figure of an African American, circa 1860, in the collection of the New-York Historical Society.