“Blackamoor” bust - what IS it?

"Aaahhhhh Juicy Fruit."

More than a couple of the fillings in my teeth are the direct result of an addiction to Black Jack, Beemans, and Clove gum in the 60s.

 

Had NO idea Good & Plenty was from the 19th century!

 

Incense sticks by Cargo

Incense Sticks Tin Sandalwood

by Cargo
Currently not available according to Amazon

 

There's a lot of shallow chipping around the edges of the holes, suggesting that what went in was hard enough to do the damage & was either hard to fit in on the first try or some owner had trouble doing it. I'm being Sherlock Holmes here. In one story he deduces that the person who lost the watch he is examining has a drinking problem because of all the scratches around the keyhole. (Benedict Cumberbatch does the same trick with the port for the power cord on John's mobile phone.)

 

Where's @charlie cheswick ?

 

(Benedict Cumberbatch does the same trick with the port for the power cord on John's mobile phone.)[/QUOTE]
Glad to know I'm not the on;y one addicted!
Patd

 

Glad to know I'm not the on;y one addicted!
Patd[/QUOTE]
Guilty.

 

A few more photos...

First, a pic with a steel rule, to give a better idea of the size of this bust:



With closed eyes and way he's posed, it does look like he could be enjoying the smell of incense, doesn't it?

Next, a closeup of the writing on the paper mat on the bottom of the bust:



Finally, the holes in his head:

 

A search for 'painted terracotta bust' produced interesting results:

https://www.google.com/search?q=pai...ZTI2pHeAhVqZN8KHRcuCgMQ9QEwAnoECAYQCA#imgrc=_

 

Wow! It's very Barsony -- only better. It has the happy feel of $$ about it, I think.

P.s. "Barsony Ceramics, synonymous with the production of matt black coloured ceramics from the 1950s and 1960s, was an Australian ceramics manufacturing company ..." hugely collectable downunder.

 

Thanks, CheersDears - I’d not heard of Barsony before. Very interesting!

 

I took a close look at this with a loupe but, sadly, it’s nothing more than a discoloured spot.

 

Jan 1 1927............???

 

Old Vintage Chalkware Blackamoor Lamp Light!
Too bad he's not marked, but really looks like it could be same manufacturer

 

So, it seems there is an incense company named “India Cargo”. Maybe this bust was intended to show off their incense sticks?

Now, to determine if this company was around in the 1920’s...

 

Does it have any evidence of being used for incense, like old ash or smell?

You might look into Black memorabilia connoisseurs and historians and possibly think about paying for an appraisal, just so a collector doesn't lowball you.

There are experts out there who offer very inexpensive informal online appraisals (not intended for insurance).

There's always Antiques Road Show - he's very compelling and photogenic.

 

Thanks, scoutshouse. I’ll see if I can get an expert’s opinion, as you suggest, and will report back here with any info that may be revealed.

 

Maybe a tooth pick holder

 

Can anyone tell me if this is chalkware or light colored "terracotta" ceramic?

Thanks