Carousel Centaurs & Humans

Human and humanoid figures were non-existent on golden age American carousels. However, they did appear in Europe and Mexico. 

English manufacturer Orton & Spooner created a variety of centaurs, often based on military figures, including Sir Baden Powell (1857-1941, British army officer and founder of the Boy Scouts Association) and Captain Edward Smith (1850-1912, British naval officer and captain of the HMS Titanic on her maiden and final voyage). These centaurs are often, though not always, two-seaters and are typically holding at least one object--such as a sword or binoculars.

French manufacturers produced human figures, such as clowns and police officers, and even a carving of Mistinguett (1875-1956, French actress and singer). These figures are typically posed as if leaning down or bowing at the waist. 

Mexican carvers also created centaurs, in addition to witches and mermaids, though these figures are fairly uncommon. It is unknown who carved these figures.

Both Mexican and European carvers created various figures based on comics and cartoons, including humans such as Popeye, Pinocchio, and Superman.