anyone know about this lion?

[Cldartistry]

Think its folk art, haven't been able to find anything out about it... picked it up at a garage sale. it is carved wood with a layer of plaster that is painted, also it has glass eyes. There is definite age but if anyone knows how old it is, origins or value it would be great.
Thank you everyone!
-Chris

[icedgold10]

This is not my area but looks to be at least from the 30's.  I'm sure someone will have a better idea on it soon.  Great item!!!  How big is it?  Does it look like it had ever been attached to something?

[Cldartistry]

i was able to snag two of them, he the smaller... about 14in in height and 16in in length.... i get the same feeling, roaring twenty's sorta style..... Not sure if it was attached to anything, looks to be more of a fireplace mantel kinda thing
Thank you!

[greenacres]

I question is this an advertising piece for a circus.

[mart]

With the plaster coating,,,had to be for inside !!  Do they both look the same ??

[Cldartistry]

they are similar, the other one is good quarter larger... they look alike but have differences, their stance, muscle/face structure, hair lines... they also seem to be carved from one single block of wood, with no attachments... these two really have me baffled.... They have to be for inside because of the plaster but, exactly what their original purpose was, i have no idea... perhaps they were circus advertisements/props