Animal: Iguana
Artist: Peter Calvesbert
Made In: England
Carving Date: 2000
Release Date: 6/1/2000
Dimensions (Inches): 2.25 x 2.75 x 3
S e c r e t s:
The wonderful texture of the iguanas’ skin hides small messages in raised bumps. 'LPZ' stands for Lincoln Park Zoo. Peter’s first close-up encounter with one of the leathery lizards was at the International Collectibles Expo in Rosemont in 1998, when some animals from the Zoo visited HK’s booth with their keeper, Jaime. '2000' marks the millennium and 'Iggy' is a nickname for 'iguana.' Collector Christopher Daly sent Peter a picture of his pet iguana 'Sneaker,' who whips the family dog 'Max' with his long green tail. An inscription under one of the branches reads 'Hi Sneaker.' Also on the tree is carved 'Toy 2,' a reference to the funniest movie Peter’s ever seen, 'Toy Story 2.' The mouse is hidden inside one of the hollow branches and one of his legs can be seen poking out through a hole in the branch. Within both Version 1 and Version ¥ is an iguana head, looking strangely like a mythical dragon or dinosaur. Note the mysterious mould variation on the exterior of Version 1.