Robert "Benjamin" O'Neal (NC, 1887-1953), Root Head Goose

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

Length 19.5 in.

From the Personal Collection of Philip and Susan Harvey.

Born and raised on Ocracoke Island, Ben made root head decoys for his market hunting operations. Family members recall him burning most of his decoys in the wood stove during World War II. This is indeed a rare bird.

Old gunning paint, age checks and natural wood imperfections in the head, age checks in the body, hit by shot on the left side, head slightly loose but stable.

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