Little Ike O'Neal (NC, 1885-1968), Important Roothead Hen Pintail

Ocracoke, North Carolina, circa 1910, carved and painted wood.

Length 17 in.

From the Personal Collection of Philip and Susan Harvey.

Little Ike was a market hunter, decoy maker, and hunting guide. He was considered one of the best shots on the island and made a nice living supplying the market with ducks. Market hunting was outlawed in 1918 and Ike turned to guiding sportsmen. A similar example is published on page 132 and 133 of Mattamuskeet and Ocracoke Waterfowl Heritage by Jack Dudley.

Original paint worn to bare wood in places, tight age checks in the body, wear to edge of the tail.

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