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The Historic New Orleans Collection
A realistic statue of an osprey with detailed brown and white feathers, perched on a tree stump base. The ospreys beak is open, and it stands against a neutral gray background.

Birds of a Feather

Wildfowl Carving in Southeast Louisiana

Whether considered as discrete objects or transmitters of a larger folkloric tradition, decoys transcend their material essence. They offer paths to exploring Louisiana’s unique individuals, communities, and cultures.

Birds of a Feather offers an introduction to the art and history of an important Louisiana tradition. Part 1, “Early Working Decoys,” features the utilitarian yet artistic expressions created in seven geographic areas of Louisiana from the mid-nineteenth through the mid-twentieth centuries. Part 2, “Contemporary Carvings,” traces the evolution of decoy carving from a folk art to a competitive art and features decoys by some of today’s most celebrated decorative carvers, including Jimmie Vizier and Tan and Jett Brunet. This catalog accompanied a 2007–8 exhibition at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Two carved wooden ducks are displayed on a blue background beneath text reading Birds of a Feather: Wildfowl Carving in Southeast Louisiana, with exhibition dates and location at the bottom.

Birds of a Feather: Wildfowl Carving in Southeast Louisiana

HNOC 2007 
softcover • 9" × 10" • 44 pp.
64 color images
ISBN 978-0-917860-78-2

$5.00

A detailed wooden carving of a duck against a light blue background, showcasing realistic textures and colors with a glossy brown head, white neck, and intricately painted wings in shades of gray, brown, and green.
A detailed, intricately carved duck decoy with a blue bill, black head, and reddish-brown body is set against an orange background. Its tail feathers are raised, showcasing craftsmanship.

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