Vintage Mexican Folk Art Steel Donkey Yard Sculpture Spring Head

Whimsical vintage Mexican folk art donkey sculpture crafted from welded steel with colorful hand-painted finishes. The body is formed from a cylindrical steel tank supported by four tubular legs with flared hooves, while cut sheet-metal elements create the expressive ears, mane, and tail. Bright painted accents in green, blue, yellow, red, and silver give the piece a lively rustic character typical of mid-20th-century Mexican artisan yard sculptures.

A small metal tab stamped “MEXICO” indicates it was made for export. The donkey’s head is mounted on a coiled spring, allowing it to move and wobble when touched or in the wind, adding playful motion. Sculptures like this were commonly produced in Mexican metalworking workshops and sold as garden or patio décor during the 1950s–1970s. Its larger size and animated design make it a standout decorative piece for folk art collections or outdoor displays.

Condition:
Good condition with chipped and fading paint, oxidation, and surface wear consistent with age and outdoor display. Paint loss and weathering appear throughout the piece. The head shows denting and bending to the metal but remains attached and functional on the spring mount. Structurally stable overall.

Dimensions:
19.5 x 23 x 6.5 inches (HxWxD)
Soup can shown in photos for scale.