What's a woodspirit?

I thought you might like to see a picture of me. Well.....at least a woodspirit carving. They are supposed to be the ghosts or spirits of old mountain men, probably moonshiners. I can easily imagine moonshiners slipping through the woods to avoid the federal agents and getting this nickname because they were so elusive.
The carvings are somewhat dictated by the found wood the artisan uses so they vary a lot in form, but this one is pretty typical.
I had a great-uncle who was sheriff of the county where Calabash, NC is located. That's the seafood-restaurant town so famous for Calabash shrimp now served everywhere. He also made 'shine and was caught by the feds. He went to the Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. When he got out and came back home, the citizens of the county elected him sheriff again!!

Thanks for the interesting explanation.

I luv those things! DD and I bought one as a gift for her Godmother a couple years ago when we were over your way. (I really wanted to get one for us but chose to conserve funds.)

Maybe one day I can just sit down and learn to make my own, eh?

...is that Shoe? ;0)

very nice artwork and interesting story.

Hehehe...Lisa! You hush dat fuss! ;>)

It be me. A few years back I was a member of a stock market chatroom. We finally got the nerve to meet in Memphis at the Beale Street Blues Festival. I took cheesecakes and moonshine. I put it in those little 1/2 pint jars that are used for jams and jellies. It was a big hit but so strong that most folks only took a sip and kept the rest. One guy told me the other day that he still had his, about 4 or 5 years later...

Some years ago, an elderly friend gave me a carving similar
to yours. I placed it in my garden border set back a ways. When young children visited I would tell them that they could make a "wish." And. I would take their hand holding one finger and tell them to close their eyes. I then stuck their finger in the old man's mouth while they made their wish. If the wish was granted he bit (I squeezed) their finger. They always were surprised/excited by all this.
Gary/Louisville

Oh, I love that story, Our son bought one out west and gave it to DH I might find a better place to hang now.
Does look a little like Shoe. LOL

I think Shoe is a "wonderful" one of a kind spirit! I would love to keep him in my pocket and when I was down have him tell me a story, dance a jig, or sing me a tune. He would also be able to advise me on 'maters, melons, and honey bees and other critters. We love you Shoe!
Gary/Louisville

HEAR, HEAR...well said Gary!!!! 'Shoe is our spirit quide to happy times.
Pati

Ya'll behave yourselves (but thanks...flattery will get you everywhere) (or sumpin' like that).

I found a great website with directions how to carve! If I try to make one I'll holler!

Gee, Shoe, I didn't know I was really posting a picture of you.

Gee I never would have guessed! And here I reallly thought you were kiddin about the hooch:)

Woodspirit...I didn't either. I think it is definitely YOU (as stated in your first post)! You're the woodspirit! I'm the horse shoe! :>)

(Maybe I can one day learn to carve a woodhorseshoespirit, eh? We should have a DG Roundup centered on woodspirits and other Appalachian crafts!)

Wow! I haven't seen any wood carvings similar to these since I bought some in Germany 20+ years ago. I think they are beautiful - I even bought a candle holder with the face carved in too because I liked them so much. I really enjoyed hearing the history about where calabash shrimp came from as well.

Kewl beans................kindred Spirits!!

"eyes"