A mid-20th century carved laminated wood sculpture representing a Bakunawa dragon

This carved wooden sculpture represents a Bakunawa, a dragon-like creature from Philippine mythology. The item is carved from a solid block of laminated wood, a technique that reveals the internal layers of the material to create rhythmic, topographical patterns following the contours of the form. The sculpture features a stylised head with mask-like characteristics and a tapered body. This style of laminated wood carving was a popular production for the Filipino art-and-craft and export markets during the mid-to-late 20th century. The surface is finished with a dark stain and a light polish. No maker’s marks or labels are present.
Length: approximately 28cm.