This fascinating pair of carved heads may have been roof bosses originally and are quite crudely carved with a distinctly pagan feel to them. One depicts a green man with a head surrounded by foliage and has a large peg driven through his mouth. The other shows a man wearing a hood with what are probably bells which suggests that he depicts a jester. They both have saw marks to the sides. The green man carving has written on the back "FROM ADWICK LE STREET NEAR DONCASTER." The parish church of St. Laurence, Adwick-le-Street was originally built in the 12th century and was much restored in early Victorian times which was possibly when these carvings were removed. It is obviously hard to date them but they are certainly medieval. The green man measures 9 inches x 8 inches x 3 inches deep. The jester is 9 inches x 7 inches by 1 1/2 inches deep.

Ref: 10961

Price: POA