- Object Name:
- Praying Figure
- Place Made:
- United States
- Date:
- late 19th-early 20th century
- Medium:
- Painted iron
- Dimensions:
- 10 7/8 × 6 1/2 × 5 in. (27.6 × 16.5 × 12.7 cm)
- Credit Line:
- Gift of Sylvia Zenia Rosen Wiener
- Accession Number:
- 2012-28
Not On View
A spring at the bottom enables this figure to rock back and forth, simulating the traditional motion of Jewish prayer. It may have been inspired by nineteenth-century secular balancing toys and Jewish figures in popular prints. Its purpose is enigmatic—whether it was intended for a Jewish or a non-Jewish audience is unknown.
Information may change as a result of ongoing research.