Cowboy 115

Cowboy 116

162 Cowboy on Bucking Bronco

The carved eggs on this page honor the American Cowboy.  The very word "cowboy" brings up visions of the old west, trail drives and romance.  Cowboys caught our imagination with the dangerous lives they led, the lonely sad songs they sang and their colorful vocabulary.  However, the name cowboy actually goes back to the Revolutionary War in the United States, but had little to do what we today associate with the name.  The first "cowboys" were Tories, or Americans who were loyal to England.  Operating in Westchester County (near New York City), they would lure American patriots into traps by tinkling cowbells as if they were lost cattle.

The cattle industry went through a "boom" right after the civil war that continued for some 20 odd years.  It was during this period of time the cowboy first began to capture the  public's imagination. Cattle bought for $5 each in Texas could be taken to Chicago and sold for $40 to $50.  Cowboys trailed herds to railroad towns where the dealers shipped the cattle directly to Chicago or other meat-packing cities.  During the cattle drive, the cows were actually fattened up.  By this time in American history, the buffalo herds had been nearly completely destroyed and the land was left open to grazing.  Some cattlemen made their first fortunes due to these cattle drives.  

The major trail drives were:

Chisholm Trail - from the Mexico border through Austin and Waco, Texas to Abilene, Kansas.

Western Trail - ran from the Mexico border to Dodge City, Kansas.

Shawnee Trail - ran from the Mexico border east to Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri.

Remember, either of these carved eggs can become a personalized gift with an inscription on the back.  Comes with a hand turned hardwood stand.

Because of the variations of color and texture inherent in the emu egg itself, each carved egg will be unique and make a distinctive addition to any decor or collection.  If you are looking for a "different" housewarming gift, birthday present or other special occasion gift, for a fan of the wild west, any of these eggs would be ideal. 

#115 Cowboy  $95.00

#116 Cowboy  $120.00

#162 Cowboy on Bucking Bronco $120.00