Face Of The "green Man" Carved From A Walnut Root (?), 19th Century Folk Art

Face of the "Green Man" carved from a walnut root (?). 19th century folk art work. Perfect condition, hanging ring on the back. Undeniably skillfully made. Superb patina.

"The term green man, leafy man or leafy mask refers to the carved or drawn representations of a man's face decorated with foliage, or even branches, shoots or other plant motifs. It is a symbol and an ornamental motif of very ancient origin whose myth is found in many cultures. Across them, it takes on different aspects. Even if all these cultures did not have contact with each other, it would seem that it is continually linked to Nature and spring. The green man is generally found on sculptures in churches or other ecclesiastical buildings. In Great Britain, it is a common motif, decorating churches as well as pub signs. Very ancient representations of it are found in Borneo, Nepal, India, Lebanon, Israel, and Iraq. In Sanskrit, the Green Man is connected to the Kirtimukha motif, which is connected to a lila of Shiva and Rahu. The Kirtimukha is often found in the thangka art and iconography of Vajrayana Buddhism, in which it often crowns the wheel of karmic existence. In Islam, Al-Khidr, "the Verdant," is a sage sometimes said to have grass growing wherever he sits because he is said to have drunk brandy. He has an important place in Sufism. In India, he takes the name Kizr."

"In Celtic tradition, the Green Man is sometimes called "Cernunnos," a horned god associated with nature, animals, and fertility. He is often depicted with deer horns, symbolizing his connection with the natural world. In other cultures, similar figures are present. For example, in Germanic mythology, there are representations of forest spirits associated with sacred trees. In Roman mythology, the god Sylvanus is sometimes likened to a nature deity. The Green Man is often considered a guardian of the forest, watching over plant life, wild animals, and the secrets of nature. He often embodies the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, representing the constant regeneration of nature. "

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