Primitive African Carved Fishing Reel Handle – Figures, Bird, Hand Folk Art

Unusual vintage hand-carved wooden fishing reel handle, likely African folk art. The piece is shaped as a carved hand with two stylized human figures and a bird, blending symbolic motifs with functional design.

The base includes a crank and string mechanism, and one figure has a hole through the mouth, indicating it was used to pass fishing line. This suggests it was originally part of a primitive fishing pole or reel setup, now missing the rod/upper shaft.

Details:

• Origin: Likely African folk art, mid-20th century

• Material: Carved hardwood

• Design: Hand form with two human figures and a bird

• Functional Features: String & crank mechanism, line hole through figure’s mouth

• Size: Approx. 9” long x 3.5” tall x 1.5” wide

• Condition: Good vintage condition with age wear; missing upper portion of the fishing rod, see photos

This is a rare example of a functional primitive fishing implement with carved figural decoration.