July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork Oaxaca folk art owl I can almost hear it

I can almost hear it chirping

Most drawings measure about 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"

but no way could I resist this faux ribeye

with undulating sides giving it a great dynamism

July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork Oaxaca folk art owl I can almost hear itThe handwritten text on this sweetly carved wooden fork is a bit hard to read, particularly the year (and my photos don't help; it is somewhat clearer in person), but I'm pretty sure it says 1873. For sure the day is July 4, so Independence was certainly being celebrated as it was made, with the initials EJV and EAG I believe written below. Very humble but full of life. 5 9 16" x 13 16" and in very good condition.