A carved cedar walking stick with a hand and an alligator.

Walking Stick with Hand and Alligator

Datec. 1995

Mediumcarved cedar

Dimensions38 1/2 × 5 inches (97.8 × 12.7 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase.

Object number1997.21

On View

Not on view

Copyright© Estate of Arthur Peter Dilbert. The images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextArthur Dilbert, a former longshoreman, emblazoned nearly all of his walking sticks with an alligator – a personal symbol. The alligator derives from a saying amongst longshoremen, “don’t let the alligator beat you to the pond” referring to longshoremen stacking bales in a ship’s hold. Those who reached the ship’s center last would often have to redo their labors. Dilbert was born in the fishing community of Pin Point, where he was exposed to woodcarving in the community and began carving needles for the weaving of fishing nets and making his own toys. As an adult he took up woodcarving while working at the port. He befriended Ulysses Davis, sometimes bringing him wood from the docks to carve. Dilbert has also been instrumental in passing his craft on to others. He received a folk art apprenticeship grant from the State of Georgia, teaching his son, grandson and other men his techniques. His works are included in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Atlanta History Center and Telfair Museums.

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