Ray Mann was a Brasstown Carver for decades. His wife was from the Hall family, many of whom were also Brasstown Carvers.
The group is well known for carving farm animals. I especially like Mann’s sheep. The small lamb in the photo was carved by Mann.
We used several animals made by Brasstown Carvers for Austin and Chatter’s wedding shower a few years ago. At the brunch event we used various birds from our family collections.
For Chitter’s baby shower we used animals. The small ones, like the one shown here by Mann, seem to lend themselves to thoughts of children.
I never met Mann that I know of, although I might have run into him around Brasstown or the folk school unknowingly.
Chitter was about three years old when Mann passed away, so even though she has some of his carvings she certainly never met him.
Even though neither of knew Mann personally, we both whole heartedly agree that he would be pleased if he knew his carvings of sheep were used in celebrating the birth of a new child in Brasstown in the year of 2024.
Last night’s video: A People and Their Quilts 8.
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I so enjoyed the woodcarving chapter of the book you recently read aloud, Tipper. I think that was my favorite part of the whole book, which was very enjoyable 🙂
So appreciate talent like these carvings. sweet little lamb.
Those Brasstown carvings are always amazing.
I’m guessing Corie got my quilt?
So soon you’ll be a grandma, how exciting!
Patti-she did get it! It’s so pretty thank you! She is going to send you a thank you card and if it’s still okay she’s going to finally send you the wedding quilt 🙂
I’ve enjoyed seeing the Brasstown carvings that your family has shown in your videos. They’re so beautiful and well made. How lovely to now use them at Katie’s baby shower! 🙂
That is the cutest little lamb. I can easily imagine a child loving it and never getting far away from it. (But if teething they might chew the ears or legs off and it couldn’t be replaced.)
I had a stuffed Smoky Bear I took to bed with me. Once we were going somewhere and I had forgotten it. I cried and cried. And once I forgot it outside overnight and it got wet. Poor Smoky. Never dreamed then I would one day wear a Smoky Bear costume in a parade.
Correction on the magazine. It was Our State.
Precious treasures! So sweet !
I think the things you have written about the carvers are so interesting. Using the carved animals to decorate for the shower is so special.
Loved the idea for Chitter’s baby shower! When I saw the picture, I immediately thought of a child because it seems all children love animals. The picture is adorable with the sweet little lamb and those blue mason jars. A few months ago, Southern Living magazine had an article about the Brasstown carvers. I think to own some of these carvings would be a treasure!
That little lamb is just beautiful and an example of Appalachian folk art at its best. It’s the relatability of subject and love of carving that speaks to me about Mr. Mann’s work. I know Chitter will treasure her little critters always. I know the baby shower went wonderfully as well! The company, food and games must have been fun. My brother’s son could whittle tiny people when he was a teenager. They were really neat! He had real talent. I wonder if he still does. Anyway, here’s to artists everywhere and dear Granny always! I’m Hangin’ in there like hair in a biscuit! Feeling my second wind here… (Hoists a coffee cup.)
I have always admired carvers. If I didn’t collect cameras I’d collect carvings, particularly birds and animals. I own only two carvings. One is a chimpanzee sitting on two books while gazing at a human skull. Judging by the knowing smile on the ape’s face, it is questioning Darwin on evolution. The other is of a fish, a crappie, at rest in cover. The former is from the Black Forest, the latter by a Florida carver. Duck decoy carvers say the secret to their art is to carve the wood out and leave the duck in.
I’m sure neither Chitter nor Chatter will go lacking for anything for their boys, but for those of us who could contribute a little to the spirit of the shower (though we will miss the dang games) can you help direct us to a pay spot to start these boys out to pay for college or trade school. As the dad of a 16 year-old, lemme tell you it comes up faster than you think.
John-you are so very kind! As you guessed the girls don’t really need anything for the babies, but we sure appreciate you offering to help!! You can reach the girls at PO Box 83 Brasstown, NC 28902 🙂
Small animals and children go together, especially little lambs. Most children love animals. My 9 month old grandson has decided he loves a little crochet duck I made his sister long ago. He likes when I pretend it quacks and, yesterday, he started saying quack with me. It was so sweet.
The carving in the picture is just precious. I am in awe of folks with the artistic talent to carve beautiful things from a piece of wood.
I watched the girls latest video this morning. They both look so healthy and happy. They are gonna be great mamas.
Btw, we did get our snowstorm. During the night, it sneaked in and silently covered everything with about 6 inches so far. It’s still coming down. It is the tiny snow-globe kind of snow right now…beautiful. Makes me want to cook a pot of soup.
The little lamb is so sweet with wonderful details.
Thank you, Tipper. The art of Mr. Mann is charming. I imagine he would have been pleased to know that his sheep are used in celebration of children in 2024.
Is there a shop in Brasstown that displays Mann’s carvings? His work is unique.
It’s cold in the Tennessee valley this morning and a few snow flurries! Good day to stay inside and relax from a hard week! Blessings to all.
Brenda-the John C. Campbell Folk School sells carvings from the current Brasstown Carvers, but for the old ones the best place to find them is on sites like Etsy and Ebay as well as in antique stores 🙂
Brasstown Carvers created quite a legacy. I first learned about them last October at the Folk School Craft festival. Amazing work.
A bit of winter cold has returned for the weekend. Everyone stay warm. Prayers continue for Granny and all of the family.
I’ve never met any but even here in eastern NC I’ve heard of the Brasstown carvers and their excellent work.
What a treasure!
To me, carving and sculpture are the most fascinating of the art forms. To be capable of the transformation of a piece of wood, or a chunk of stone into a beautiful piece of art, especially into a human or animal figure is a miraculous talent—a blessed gift from God. A huge thank you to you for sharing this particular post!!!!!
Like you, I like wood carvings too. This one you shared is specially sweet and does lead your mind to children. I’m sure the ones used for the wedding and shower were just as lovely.
WOW! What a treasure you have in your wood carving collection! No dollar price can be put on such a thing.
That was a great idea to showcase your collection, celebrate your heritage, and make beautiful memories for both Corie and Katie. I’m sure both celebrations were wonderful!
What a talent. I wonder how many hours it took him to carve each of those. Using them at the baby shower was a great idea.
What a creative use of items in your collections. You must be getting really excited about the impending arrival of those sweet babies. Love to all your family.
I’ve long admired the works of the Brasstown Carvers.
When I was a child I had a carved rabbit that was rather large as I recall. I don’t know where it came from or who carved it, but I remember a man’s name etched on the bottom. I remember holding it and looking at it, loving it like a child would a stuffed animal. I don’t know what became of the rabbit but recall the detailing of the fur cuts. Such memories have not been stirred for many years, and I can almost see it like it was yesterday. Thanks for sharing that beautiful little lamb!
Such a beautiful folk art creation.