Guess that mystery shape!

December 25, 2008 8:15 PM

What is the symbol on this box?
posted by andythebean to grab bag (16 comments total)

A stylized swan or goose?
posted by Artw at 8:20 PM on December 25, 2008

I don't know that it's a symbol for anything, but it looks to me like a goose preening itself.
posted by Netzapper at 8:27 PM on December 25, 2008

Is it actually from a specific culture? Like from the Anasazi, Maya, Easter Islanders etc.
posted by andythebean at 8:27 PM on December 25, 2008

I think it's a goose on faux-Native-American art.
posted by Electrius at 9:11 PM on December 25, 2008

+1 for swan. It looks like a modern design rather than something from a specific culture.
posted by jjb at 9:42 PM on December 25, 2008

I'm leaning toward goose.
posted by ktrey at 10:27 PM on December 25, 2008

I have no idea, but it totally makes me want to start a band called "Goose Biting Its Own Butt" and use that for our logo.
posted by nímwunnan at 11:01 PM on December 25, 2008

funny, the first thing I saw was a penis.
posted by Jon_Evil at 11:02 PM on December 25, 2008

It kinda looks Native American/Pueblo inspired (probably faux). Netzapper and Electrius are probably right about the goose. It looks like a bird body, but the curved neck and pointed head seem to be playing off of the curving rainbow and snake symbolism (and yes, that looks a bit phallic, which may or may not be intentional in this case).
posted by gudrun at 11:58 PM on December 25, 2008

On preview .... goose or duck.
posted by gudrun at 12:15 AM on December 26, 2008

I would almost put money on a bet that says its a corporate logo with the letter "G".
posted by hal_c_on at 12:38 AM on December 26, 2008

There is a G, and an e in there. And a goose/swan. And a penis. On legs.
posted by Goofyy at 3:56 AM on December 26, 2008

It's upside-down. I'm thinking its prehistoric Pacman. Probably Mayan.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:04 AM on December 26, 2008 [1 favorite]

In order to give you any kind of specific answer, you'd probably have to give some more information about your box. Where did you find it? what was in it? Otherwise, all you are likely to get is a guess.

but yeah, my gut reaction on seeing it was 'goose'.
posted by ArgentCorvid at 10:16 AM on December 26, 2008

i thought it was a dinosaur biting its butt, by my boyfriend suggested "baby carriage".
posted by nzydarkxj at 7:12 PM on December 26, 2008

I bet it's a stylized Sankofa Bird (more info). A google images search seems to support this notion.
posted by maniactown at 3:32 AM on December 30, 2008