A rare English carved oak finial or boss depicting a camel 15th century

the male bactrian camel feeding from a fruiting tree in the background and with a similar tree in the foreground

Very rare subject matter. The camel is lacking one ear. The tree fragmented in the foreground with chips and fragmenting. Inset section of later timber to the top. Separations to the feet. The reverse with traces of old worm, inset blocks and pine wedge to support hanging device. This is a very charming piece.
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The camel is often depicted in western decorative arts as a personification of Asia. In the middle ages it was a symbol of Obedience. It also features in Old Testament themes; Rebecca at the well, the exodus from Egypt and in the adoration of the Magi. It may well have been that the piece was carved because of the exotic nature of the beast - purely for spectacle and the delight of the 15th century viewer.