Civil War Prisoner's Charm

Known as tramp art, this form of self-taught outsider art could be found throughout the United States during the 19th century. Distinguished by its notched design, this dynamic piece was carved from scraps of wood from discarded cigar boxes or storage crates. This unusual example from 1863 may have been created at a Civil War prisoner-of-war camp, where such crafts provided inmates with much-needed mental therapy. Crafted of interlocking links, the sculptural ring has a mesmerizing kinetic quality and can be shaped into a circle or oval. Stunning on a wall, this remarkable example of traditional folk art also shapes a striking tabletop presentation.