I've seen a few hand-carved wooden vessels made in Yugoslavia, but none I like as much as this one, which I am guessing represents a deer. I love the streamlined form of it, with head stretched gracefully forward, as if in motion. The incised carving itself is pretty lovely too, with a mix of banded patterns at the center, and cross-hatching at either end. And then a bowl in the middle of the body, which I think would be great filled with nuts or shells or little treats!

This piece, which likely dates to the 1970s or so, is in excellent condition and measures 9 3/4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" tall.