Sandhill Crane

Dateca. 1928

Artist/Maker Charles E. ("Shang") Wheeler (1872-1949)

MediumPainted white pine and glass

Dimensionsincluding base: OH 47" OL 33 1/2" OW 11 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960.702.2

DescriptionCarved wood crane with long legs rising on a grey painted oval wooden base with a sandy texture. The two legs have knots approximately two-thirds up their length to resemble joints. As they approach the body, the black paint of the legs fades to white. The body is painted an overall light grey with contrasting darker grey wings, each with fine white and black lines in scallop shapes to imitate feathers. Towards the tail, these lines are lightly incised. The head is painted brown and red, and terminates in a black bill with nostrils and carved mouth. It is inset with 1/2" reddish brown glass eyes.
Label TextThis life-size depiction of a sandhill crane is the work of Shang Wheeler, considered to be one of the best decoy carvers. While Wheeler made decoys to be used when hunting, he also created them just for show, like this crane. He never sold any of his carvings but used them or gave them to friends. Wheeler begin carving in his 20s, after moving to Stratford, Connecticut. Over the years, his interest and study of birds led him to carve at least one of every bird known to inhabit the east coast from Maine to Florida. He was oysterman by trade, but also had a varied career as a Connecticut state senator and political cartoonist.