Tom Wooden Figure

Description from MoMA Design Store

In 1939, artist Thomaz de Mello, who also went by the moniker TOM, dreamed up a series of hand-painted wooden dolls that became one of his most well-known commercial works. Each figure represented a folklore person from different regions of Portugal, a concept which proved to be popular among tourists who were just discovering the country and bringing these home as souvenirs. These wooden figures were so iconic that de Mello was commissioned by storied Portuguese brands to make custom versions,