Southern States - Circa 1910 Possibly Native American Made This bank is utterly fascinating, far and away, the most interesting object in the sale. Years ago, Stephen Score, the legendary dealer of American Folk Art offered a bank with the same bird/crocodile narrative and nearly identical design. Though the imagery seems highly esoteric, it may have an actual literary source. This may represent the symbiotic relationship that reputedly exists between the Egyptian plover and the crocodile. According to a story dating to the time of Herodotus, the crocodiles lie at the shore with their mouths open. Presumably, the plovers fly into the crocodile's gaping mouth to feed on bits of decaying meat caught in his teeth. Both species profit by this relationship; the bird gets nutrition and the crocodile gets a free teethcleaning. It seems probable that the maker of this bank was aware of this story, even if it is just allegorical fiction. Material: Wood

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