Can you identify this material...shell or rock?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by NewEngland, May 10, 2020.

  1. NewEngland

    NewEngland Well-Known Member

    I found this interesting sculpture but I can't tell what it is carved from. Since it is a marine animal (a manta ray) it probably comes from the Caribbean or Hawaii. It is signed but not with a name, just a footprint and date/number. The top is polished but the sides are still natural. Is it carved from volcanic rock, or some kind of shell? It measures 10" x 7" and is really heavy. Thanks for any help.

    mantarayA.JPG mantaray.JPG mantarayB.JPG mantarayC.JPG
     
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  2. chantaljones

    chantaljones Well-Known Member

    First look I also thought it was some kind of shell. But I guess its some kind of stone. Could be alabaster or marble?.

    If others agree on this than you can do some test to establish what it is.

    Put a drop of vinegar on a piece that will not come in sight. If it bubbles than its marble.
     
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  3. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    Maybe if you could locate the carver who used a barefoot mark in 1991 it would help. Since it is copyrighted, it could be a composite material.
     
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  4. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    I think we have seen here a "ceramic" mark that is a footprint.
     
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  5. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    Was it ceramic or metal.
    I remember I made a silly comment about it being Foot made instead of Hand made.
     
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  6. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    Found what I remembered, but it was a painted one, not an impression of a foot. Carry on!
     
  7. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    Wonder if the artist's name is Foote.
    I've found quite a few, but only went through the first 4 or 5 that popped up. I didn't find a match.
    You might want to give it a try.

    Adding:
    Should have said sculptor, not artist, or you will get all the painters as well.
     
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  8. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    14 / 100......makes it a reproduced mold ...
     
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  9. Bdigger

    Bdigger Well-Known Member

    with an edition mark of 14/100.....I have to believe the material is something that can be replicated. I don't think it would be marble or even stone.
     
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  10. Bdigger

    Bdigger Well-Known Member

  11. NewEngland

    NewEngland Well-Known Member

    It absorbed the vinegar, so I guess it's not marble. Thanks.
     
  12. NewEngland

    NewEngland Well-Known Member

    I know. It seems unlikely that a sculptor would make 100 of the same piece. But it certainly feels like natural material like stone and it weighs 5 lbs.
     
  13. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    Just throwing this out there as I have no idea.

    The composite stone/resin they use for countertops. How is that made? Is it poured? Could this be that kind of material that looks like stone, but isn't.

    Again, I'm just throwing this out as a thought.
    Maybe @Hollyblue knows something about this.
     
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  14. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Yup, some type of resin mix...you can clearly see the bubbles...
     
  15. Hollyblue

    Hollyblue Well-Known Member

    There was a thread not long ago with a California carver who has his pieces carved in China and Mexico.His carvings numbered in the hundreds.I do not know if this one is composite or natural stone,would need to identify maker and see his history to know.
     
  16. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Could we see the bottom?
     
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  17. NewEngland

    NewEngland Well-Known Member

    OK, thanks for all the help. Turns out the name is Foot. “Foot Young” gallery, artist Sonya Moran, made of ‘cast marble’ in Australia, located at Hamilton island, Great Barrier Reef. Lots of googling, but I’ve found it. Thank you everyone!
     
  18. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    It's made from "leftovers", ground up bits mixed with resin. It does make life easier on the artist.
     
  19. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    That makes sense, since it is a ray. And I think Aussie stingray, no manta, it doesn't have those manta 'flaps' to the head.
    I like it.
     
  20. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

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