A 20th Century Portuguese Brinquinho Folk Art Musical Instrument

This is a Portuguese Brinquinho folk art musical instrument, traditionally associated with the island of Madeira. The item is constructed as a mechanical percussion toy featuring a circular wooden platform decorated with straw and raffia. It is mounted on four wheels fashioned from red-painted metal bottle caps. The device is operated by a long wooden handle featuring a red and white spiral-wrapped section and a turned wooden grip. A metal wire linkage connects the handle to a group of figures, designed to create movement and sound when manipulated. The assembly includes several figures with hand-painted composition or papier-mâché heads featuring expressive, caricatured facial features. The bodies are built on wire armatures and are dressed in traditional folk-style costumes made of beige cotton or linen cloth. The clothing is accented with a woven textile sash in a traditional red, black, and white striped pattern. One central figure is depicted holding a pair of small metal cymbals. There are no visible maker’s marks, signatures, or labels on the item.

Overall length: 65cm (approximate)

Platform diameter: 15cm (approximate).