Wooden toggle carved in the shape of a dog which seems to have a human face. Dogs are known to chase away evil spirits. However the carving is so primitive that the carver may also have had a tiger in mind when he carved this toggle. The flanks of this creature show stripes (tiger?) or ribs (dog?). But for the hidden meaning of this item that does not make a huge difference as also the tiger is known for chasing away evil spirits. The toggle has a nice patina and dates from the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 5.0 cm. Width 3.1 cm. Height 2.3 cm.