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The Meadows Collection
Adela & Mark Meadows

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Pair of Life-size Papier Mâché Geese

Also well-loved and just as whimsical are this delightful pair of geese. They are crafted of papier mâché with an artistry that resulted in sculpted feathers on their backs and life-like webbing on their feet.

They are just about life-size...30 inches high...and would make perfect pets for those seeking a quiet and hassle-free companion as well as a great accent for that corner of the room that needs a little levity.

I don't know their history; condition-wise, they have had their share of tussles...but that only adds to their appeal.

Surefire attention-getters, they are definitely a decorative item that is "just as unique as you are".

Carnival Head...a rare Den-Paolig from Brittany's Douarnenez Mardi Gras

The French term Mardi Gras is literally translated as Fat Tuesday. This is in reference to its traditionally being celebrated on the eve of Ash Wednesday when it marks the last opportunity to rejoice and cut loose before the beginning of Lent. The word carnival is derived from the Latin carne vale, which means farewell to flesh...a reference to the common practice of giving up the eating of meat during the fasting and abstinence of Lent. Mardi Gras is traditionally a time of masked balls and parades of costumed celebrants.

It is celebrated in many places throughout the world...this piece was part of a celebration in the town of Douarnenez in the Brittany region of northwestern France.

In the twentieth century, the Mardi Gras celebration in Douarnenez expanded to begin on the previous Saturday evening with a costume ball that continues until the wee hours of the morning. The following afternoon everyone is back out on the streets for a festive parade complete with wildly decorated floats that have been in the making for months. Also made months ahead of time is a huge caricature known as Den-Paolig or paper person...each year the visage of Den-Paolig "honors" a different member of the community. 

On Monday afternoon, they hold a traditional foot race where contestants in various disguises run up and down the hills of Douarnenez holding a tray with a glass of water. The race course winds its way from bar to bar...about twenty in all...and the winner is the contestant who crosses the finish line with the most water in their glass.


On Tuesday night...it's Mardi Gras...and there is a huge and festive celebration where the whole town is dressed in imaginative costumes. The final event of the festivities in Douarnenez occurs on Ash Wednesday when everyone gathers for the burning of the Den-Paolig.

We have no idea how our head managed to escape destruction; perhaps he was a spare...but whatever the reason, we are glad because he is a rare and fabulous piece of folk art history!

He measures 23 inches high, 17 inches wide, and 17.5 deep...as you can see from the photographs, he has some areas of roughness, some small tears to the base of his neck, and a bit of a bump on his nose...but he's still ready to party!

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