This ANTIQUE/ANCIENT WOODEN SCULPTURE FRAGMENT is an estate find, and comes without provenance. , this small relic is an absolute feast for the eyes. As a layman, I can hardly begin to guess it’s age or origin, however I can confidently declare that it is very, very old… From it’s original form. Not only is it very old, but it was salvaged very long ago. There is an overall darkening of the finish (or what remains of the crackled “finish”), obscuring a thin, golden layer beneath the varnish. This gilded layer can be somewhat visualized in the photos featuring the metal probe, which points toward one small irregularly-shaped area where the golden layer is exposed. Clearly, this was part of a larger icon, as the Christ Child can be seen resting in the hand of a now-missing Saint. Some areas of the current surface are rough, unfinished and well-worn, where the remnants of the original statue were removed. Based on observation, I would guess that a damaging fire in the remote past could be one possible explanation for the state of the relic; but even if so, it would represent one of many chapters in the lost history of this wonderful, little piece… And I suspect that history could be measured in centuries (with the proper scientific equipment). Nevertheless, here it is, just as I found it. Long ago, someone thought enough of this fragment to crudely mount it on a small slab of wood and hang it from a loop of twisted wire, in what can only be described as a primitive salvage attempt. That attempt appears to have since been repaired… As I see a layer of a plaster-like substance on top of what appears to be an application of some type of adhesive or pitch. The last 2 photos show the relic loosely reassembled on the old wooden slab (included)… As well as it’s current home above my television, where it has been gathering dust for years (and where it can happily stay, should no one else see the beauty that I see). THANKS FOR LOOKING GOOD LUCK. I DO NOT CLEAN VINTAGE ITEMS… While I often make an effort to minimize loose dirt & debris, please understand that dust, grime, pet hair, odors (and the ghosts of previous owners) may be present. But I try to be a good guy in all of my trading activities and if there’s a problem of any kind, I encourage you to contact me. Soylent Green is made out of people.