Birdcage Figure

Q. Lynda sent a picture of a creche, described as hand carved and of European origin. She said that the single figure was a woman three feet tall of basswood. A potential seller explained that it was made to be dressed and Christmas gifts tucked under the hem of the robe. She asked if we had ever seen one like it and what the approximate value would be.

A. The figure resembled a mannequin with a birdcage-like skirt. It looked like the base of many dressed santos. Wendy Reynoso checked with one of her sources who confirmed that it was or at least resembled a 19th century Filipino Bastidore (cage) santo. Without seeing it and evaluating condition, restoration and the like, a definite statement of origin and possible value is not possible. However, after some back and forth communication, Lynda felt that the intrinsic appeal of the figure for her was worth far more than the modest cost asked.