An asen is a long iron bar topped with a round metal disk on top of which figures are placed that represent the life of the person which the asen is made to memorialize.  This brass parrot would have adorned one such asen. His tail and his outstretched claw are of iron.

Please take note of the photo of the full asen top to see how this object could have been arrayed, probably together with other objects, although on a much larger one.

6 5/8″ overall height x 5 1/2" bird length (17 x 14 cm) 3 x 3 3/4 x 1 1/8" base (7.6 x 9.5 x 3 cm)