“Damsel” wooden figure

• painted wood
• around 1900
• height: 50 cm

“Guiding the damsel” was a popular form of amusement during village festivals such as those between the hay harvest and the grain harvest. A type of carousel was built using a chassis. The axles were hidden in the ground, a cartwheel and ladder were put on top and it was set into rapid motion with a girl sitting on top of it. The aim was then to knock off a “wooden damsel” while the carousel was in motion. The victorious girl was king (!) and could choose the dancer for the subsequent dance.