Late 19th Century Historical Tramp Cross Close-Pin Sculpture

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This late 19th century large scale four dimensional cross is made up of dozens of carved and joined close-pin pieces, … Read more This late 19th century large scale four dimensional cross is made up of dozens of carved and joined close-pin pieces, held together with the joinery alone, without glue or nails.

The Tramp Art movement, where small pieces of wood, primarily from discarded cigar boxes and shipping crates, were whittled into layers of geometric shapes having the outside edges of each layer notch carved, was popular from 1870-1940. Tramps would make these while riding the rails and in hobo camps, then sell their wares from door to door. Some pieces were also made by prisoners. See less