Ink on Paper 19th Century "Auld Lang Syne" Man and Bear Friends Drawing backstrap loom some with a darker stain

some with a darker stain

which are jointed at the  shoulders and elbows

while also looping up to become him

I believe--features a rectangular top

letter stencils

Ink on Paper 19th Century "Auld Lang Syne" Man and Bear Friends Drawing backstrap loom some with a darker stainI am not entirely sure who is rescuing who in this wonderful old ink drawing I think it is the bear being pulled to shore, but his human friend is looking like he may have been through a bit of a hard time as well! What a tender hand hold between them, though, and such kindly looks toward one another I really love this, and think it would make a fantastic gift for one's dearest and truest friend. The handwritten text below the drawing is a