Wild Man (France, 15th century)

‘Wild Man’ or ‘Woodwose’ (also: ‘Wodewoze’) or ‘Homo Silvaticus’ as part of a big iron lock (cf previous post). Our wild man is completely covered with body hair and has a solid point for attachment in the back that would have fixed him to his support. His right hand is hollow and would have clasped a club (weapon ‘par excellence’ for the Wild Man) or spear. His ‘superhuman power and virility’ (connotations of the medieval wild man) and his spear would have been the ideal protection for the box or chest that this Wild man was guarding. Iron. Toes and lower part of left arm missing. Rare piece. Good size: 16x3x2cm.

Reference:
Timothy Husband with the assistance of Gloria Gilmore-House “The Wild Man: Medieval Myth and Symbolism” (1980). Available as free download (what a blessing!) on the site of the Metropolitan museum.