19TH C. WOODEN HILL TRIBE GARUDA

This piece is somewhat of a mystery.  It was obtained in Burma by a doctor working on a world health organization project a number of years ago.  It has been suggested to me that it is Tibetan, but I think it is more likely from one of the "Hill Tribe" peoples of Southeast Asia.  It is some kind of fetish piece, as it has an organic patina that suggests that some substances were rubbed into it over time.  It stands inches 8 1/2 inches tall, 11 1/2 inches with the custom stand.  A very strong, folk/tribal artifact.