Intricately Carved Little Folk Art Hand antique American portrait I think in part it

I think in part it is the use of crushed shells to encrust every inch of the surface here

which I have not opened for fear of not being able to close it properly

such that they could almost be flipped over to use as goblets

with ears long gone

The drawing was done on an semi-translucent onion skin type paper in graphite

Intricately Carved Little Folk Art Hand antique American portrait I think in part itA curious little one, found in Upstate NY, and really quite well carved, down the very pronounced veins running up the back of the clutched hand. Open from the side, such that it might hold a toothpick or two! I'd guess mid century or so, with a thin layer of stain varnish to the wood. 3 3 8" t x 1 7 16" w x 5 8" d and in very good condition. Stands on its own.