Oh gosh, that scared the $;)*& out of me! I have no idea—- I’d be worried it somehow marked an old graveyard and to remove it would disrupt spirits (says someone who watches way too many paranormal TV shows).

It could be St Fiacre. The patron Saint of gardners.

Looks like one of the countless renditions of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the natural environment. Has been a popular garden ornament since Victorian times.

Gardengal, I though of St Francis, but he is usually pictured with a head cap and an animal.

Its holding an animal. Maybe a fawn which is often depicted near St. Francis.

tj

Is that a chain around its hips? I can’t see the picture until I click on the empty box and then it's very blurry. Could you repost?

arcy, can you identify the animal?

Any history on the house? Like when it was built or the immediate area?

I appreciate all the help!! It seems to be a bird's head...but it's all very indistinct. I have never seen a heavy St. Francis so gave up on him...it appears/assumed to be a rosary around him as well as the usual friars robe ties. It is a Franciscan cross in front of him...was this St. Fiacre in the Franciscan order? I will have to do some looking. It's very primitive. Son bought the house this fall, he's the second owner, the house is only 10 years old. Fargo ND...not really spooks ville USA.

Is this any clearer? I agree it's very frightening. It was sort of a gag gift for my daughter. We cut a shrub down in her side yard this fall and I told her a statue would be perfect for the space. She threated to leave this with me...but ended up taking it with her. She's going to sneak it into a bff's yard!! I think this will become a roving monk. I see the previous owners also left a head statue in the side yard....I think they had unusual taste.

Sorry, but no clearer and very small. It looks like a woman to me as much as a monk.

Need a better pic.

tj

It looks likes a double bar cross AKA patriarchal cross hanging from the belt. It can be associated with St Peter and archbishops. I knew I seen it before,but couldn't figure out where. It was bugging me all day. It is also associated with the Scottish rite, I seen the symbol from my husband. I don't think the statue has anything to do with the Scottish rite though. I can't tell what is on the chest. The mystery continues.

Unfortunately a better pic won't happen. #2DD took it home to SD with her. I don't think it would help, however as the statue is very primitive and indistinct no matter how crisp the picture. If it is a Patriarchal Cross that eliminates Francis or Fiacre........My son thought it looked just like, Babba Yagga a character in a book the cousins were all freaked out by that was found in their grandmother's home. They are all adults now, she is long passed but that story comes up in their discussion when they gather for cousin palooza each year. #2 daughter was too young to recall the story so the added layer of shock and awe was lost on her when she opened her gift.

The statue didn't scare me at all. How tall is it ? It looks very small. I wish someone had left statuary and antiques behind when I bought my house !

Thanks, arcy. I agree, that is a good size.