Sculptural Much Weathered Wood Round with Eye fish decoy and a few small dings

and a few small dings

I find these owls pretty empathetic creatures--kind of homely

10 3/4" with handle

but one of my favorite things ever

Late 19th century I would think

Sculptural Much Weathered Wood Round with Eye fish decoy and a few small dingsThis makes me think of a deadeye, used in sailing for the rigging of ships and perhaps that is the case. (Deadeyes with just one hole are called bull's eyes.) Or perhaps it is just a beautiful product of nature. Whatever the case, this wood is old, and very weathered (I'm inclined to say petrified or fossilized but I'm not completely sure if technically so) and it makes for a very very satisfying object both to look at and to hold. 4 3 4" x 3 7 8" x