Nothing is better than finding a great piece that comes with the story of its making written directly upon it! On the underside of this charming carved wooden bird's base is written the following: "1974 / Jamaica W.I [West Indies] / Hand Carvings Done By Natives / Shoe Polish Stain". I loved it already, with its  no-fuss directness, proud posture and head cocked toward the sky, but I love it even more knowing its origins and that its brown body, and the wonderfully bold black that follows the incised lines around wings, beak, base and tail feathers, are the result of the resourceful use of shoe polish. 

8" tall x 2 3/4" wide x 2 3/4" deep. There are a few light scratches to the wood and a bit of wear around the beak, as documented in photos, which I think add rather than detract from the charm of the piece.