Marie Martinez Pottery
Mid-20th Century American Pottery
Clay
Mid-20th Century American Native American Pottery
Clay
Mid-20th Century American Native American Pottery
Clay
Mid-20th Century American Native American Pottery
Clay
Mid-20th Century American Native American Pottery
Clay
Vintage 1930s American Native American Native American Objects
Ceramic
Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects
Pottery
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Mid-20th Century American Native American Pottery
Clay
Mid-20th Century American Posters
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tableware
Resin
Antique 1730s French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Oak
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Jute
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Patio and Garden Furniture
Wood
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Decorative Bowls
Ceramic, Pottery
Early 20th Century Dutch Chandeliers and Pendants
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bronze
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Nesting Tables and Stackin...
Brass
Mid-20th Century Vases
Clay
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Native American Native American Objects
Earthenware
Mid-20th Century American Native American Native American Objects
Earthenware
Vintage 1940s American Ceramics
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century American Native American Pottery
Clay
Mid-20th Century American Native American Dinner Plates
Pottery
20th Century American Native American Native American Objects
Earthenware
A Close Look at native-american Furniture
Native American broadly describes any Indigenous people in North America and encompasses hundreds of tribes and groups, all with distinct cultures. Native American–style furniture and decor likewise varies widely, from pieces created by Indigenous people to those appropriated by non-native designers.
Indigenous furniture’s rich heritage includes the bentwood boxes of the Northwest Coast carved from cedar for storing household or ceremonial objects. Generations of Native American people have made baskets for holding household items, with those in the Northeast using sweetgrass and those in the Southeast using pine needles and wicker. Artisans in the Plateau region wove watertight pieces like cradles from plant materials. Although these objects were intricately made, they were usually utilitarian rather than decorative.
The colonization of North America and the removal of Indigenous people from their lands led to the suppression of these practices. Many styles that used Native American motifs — such as Southwestern style, which was heavily influenced by the geometric patterns of Navajo textiles — have historically not involved Indigenous creators and, instead, have taken their traditions without their tribal context.
When decorating a home with Native American–style furniture, it is important to do so respectfully, by understanding the origins of motifs and objects and examining who profits from their sale. There are now Indigenous-led companies, such as Cherokee designer Cray Bauxmont-Flynn’s Amatoya and Totem House Design, promoting Indigenous work in furniture and home decor. Supporting Indigenous artists and artisans is essential to confronting the still pervasive issue of cultural appropriation in design.
Find a collection of Native American living room furniture, folk art, rugs and carpets, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.