Chicago - Folk Art
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Item Ships From: Chicago
"Embrace" Luba Headrest Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
The Luba people of Zaire believed that ancestors visited them through dreams. This belief led to elaborately worked headrests, known as "seats of dreams." Such headrests were used to...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Pair of 20th Century East African Grain Bowls with Handles
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century East African grain bowls with handles pair (two pieces in set).
From left to right
A) 10.5" height x 10" diameter
B) 8.5" height x 9" diameter.
Category
20th Century Zimbabwean Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Yoruba Omo Bell, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This four-sided brass face bell, known as omo, was created by an artisan of the Ijebu Yoruba People of Southern Nigeria. A mark of the wearer's rank and power, the bell would have be...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Baga a-Bamp Bird Headdress with Canoe
Located in Chicago, IL
This graceful sculpture of a long-necked bird is a headdress known as "a-Bamp," worn during ritual masquerades of Baga adolescents in Guinea. With strong themes of defiance, these ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century Guinean Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Oak Splint Sphere
Located in Chicago, IL
A wildly sculptural sphere made from oak splints used for making baskets. Acquired from a woman who made baskets, the splints have been woven into a sphere, possibly for storage purp...
Category
1950s American Rustic Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Oak
Painting from a Kwoma Ceremonial House Ceiling
Located in Chicago, IL
A painting from a Kwoma ceremonial house ceiling depicting an abstract polychrome pattern on a sago palm spathe.
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art:
"...
Category
Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Outsider Art Wood Sculpture with Geometric Appliques
Located in Chicago, IL
Detailed and eye catching outsider art "found" wood sculpture. Constructed from floor moldings and cut paper geometric appliques. Unsigned.
Category
1970s American Folk Art Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century African Calabash
Located in Chicago, IL
Small leather Calabash from Africa
Dimensions: 10 in. height x 6 in. diameter with a 4.24 in. diameter opening.
Category
20th Century Congolese Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Wood
"Lady in a Striped Dress" by Allan Winkler
By Allan Winkler
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
"Crystal Hunt" Ghanaian Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Starring Donnie Yen, "The Bruce Lee of the 90s," "Crystal Hunt" was a martial arts film from Hong Kong made in 1991. Frequently, theaters in Ghana were unable to import official post...
Category
Late 20th Century Ghanaian Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare mid-20th century Dida (Ivory Coast) hand-plated Shibori tie-dyed raffia ceremonial kerchief mounted on a linen stretched frame. This kerchief was not woven on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Raffia
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terra cotta object was part of the Bura tribe's burial ritual. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare mid-20th century Dida (Ivory Coast) hand-plated Shibori tie-dyed raffia ceremonial kerchief mounted on a linen stretched frame. This kerchief was not woven on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Mid-Century Modern Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Raffia
Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare mid-20th century Dida hand-plated Shibori tie-dyed raffia ceremonial kerchief mounted on a linen stretched board. This kerchief was not woven on a loom, but ra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Raffia
Ngombe Throwing Knife, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
With its many blades and dramatic form, this impressive throwing knife would have been a status symbol and a form of currency among the Ngombe peoples o...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Rustic Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Iron
"Man in Green Shirt" by Allan Winkler
By Allan Winkler
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Nupe Gourd Water Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by the natural world, nupe ceramicists fired this water vessel in the shape of a gourd. The vessel's varied textures and colors come from its utilitarian design. The paralle...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Yoruba Osanyin Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Steel, Iron
Senufo Copper Reeds Currency Bracelet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The traditional form of the Senufo currency bracelet is stripped down in this more minimalistic version. Two gracefully upswept bands join to form a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Nigerian Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Mossi Incised Currency Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
The blacksmiths and sculptors of the Mossi People were held in special regard by the tribe's ruling class. Their ability to shape bronze and other precious metals into currency and status symbols made them valuable members of the powerful tribe. The intricate design of this currency bracelet...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Painted African Pende Altar Figure, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Pende diviners interpreted messages from the spirit realm to determine which of their ancestors would provide aid in return for sacrifices. This figure would have been carved for the recipient of such favors. The down-turned gaze and gently placed hands offer a feeling of security and companionship, representing benevolent intentions towards the gift giver...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Yoruba Osanyin Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Steel, Iron
Signed Colorful Folk Art Lifesize Jester Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Nearly six feet tall, this one-of-a-kind sculpture is created from carved wood and vibrant multicolored lacquer. Bright reds, blues, greens, yellow, orange and black. Signed "J.A. Bi...
Category
1980s American Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
"Jubilee Car" by Patrick Fitzgerald
By Patrick Fitzgerald
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Patrick Fitzgerald uses his works as a means of resurrecting the idyllic worlds he once found in the Industrial surroundings of his youth. Raised in Grand Rapids...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
"Drafting Car" by Patrick Fitzgerald
By Patrick Fitzgerald
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Patrick Fitzgerald uses his works as a means of resurrecting the idyllic worlds he once found in the Industrial surroundings of his youth. Raised in Grand Rapids, MI, he looks to the raw beauty and inherent potential of his manufacturing hometown as an endless source of creative inspiration. Working from found materials, Fitzgerald constructs miniature versions of soap box cars...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Chinese Painted Drum Stool with Blessings, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century drum-form stool is assembled with traditional stave and hoop construction, with two bands of decorative nailheads. Painted in red and gold, two colors thought to br...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Elm
"Cut-Rate Liquor Car" by Patrick Fitzgerald
By Patrick Fitzgerald
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Patrick Fitzgerald uses his works as a means of resurrecting the idyllic worlds he once found in the Industrial surroundings of his youth. Raised in Grand Rapids...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Incised Copper Currency Anklet
Located in Chicago, IL
Time-honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...
Category
Mid-19th Century Nigerian Tribal Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Copper, Steel
Bamileke Iron Double Gong, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Like many pieces of traditional African metalwork, this sculptural double bell served multiple purposes within the Bamileke communities of Cameroon. They were status symbols, ceremon...
Category
Early 20th Century Cameroonian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Folk Metalcut Horse Weathervane, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
With a simple Silhouette and rich surface texture, this early 20th century metal-cut weathervane is a charming example of American Folk Art. Adding a decorative touch to the topmost ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal
"Vijay Path" Ghanaian Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Vijaypath was a Bollywood action hit in 1994. It's critically acclaimed soundtrack topped charts across the world and became one of the most recognizable in India's history. The film...
Category
Late 20th Century Ghanaian Modern Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Fabric
Bamileke Storage Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Like other African everyday ceramics, Bamileke storage pots are revered for their simple forms yet astonishing beauty. Each is hand shaped and fired in the open. They are generally s...
Category
Early 20th Century Cameroonian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terracotta form would have been a critical component of burial rituals of the Bura people of Niger. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerien Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Burkinabe Storage Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Ovoid pots were an elegant storage solution in African tribal life. This beautifully balanced example is attributed to the Toussian people of Western Burkina Faso. Masterfully made to protect its contents from the elements, pots such as this one were coiled by female ceramists to hold food or personal...
Category
Early 20th Century Burkinabe Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Nigerian Afo Hoe Currency, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
In many pre-colonial regions of Africa, iron was so valuable that tools often doubled as currencies for rare but significant transactions. This large iron form is a currency piece from the Afo peoples of northern Nigeria, and is modeled after the blade of a hoe. Used to till the hard soil and harvest crops, the hoe was highly valued as a symbol of the community's reliance on the earth and traditional agriculture. With its clean lines and irregular surface texture, the currency blade...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Yao Silver Chain Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely crafted piece was made high in the mountains above Thailand, Laos and Burma (modern day Myanmar) by an indigenous hill tribe. The Yao people are skilled silversmiths who ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Laotian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Silver
Yoruba Osanyin Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Steel, Iron
Yoruba Osanyin Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Steel, Iron
Yao Silver Chain Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely crafted piece was made high in the mountains above Thailand, Laos and Burma (modern day Myanmar) by an indigenous hill tribe. The Yao people are skilled silversmiths who ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Laotian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Silver
"Cantonese Iron Kung Fu" Ghanaian Movie Poster, c. 1985
Located in Chicago, IL
Starring Bryan Leung, "Cantonen Iron Kung Fu" was a martial arts film from Hong Kong made in 1979. Frequently, theaters in Ghana were unable to import off...
Category
1980s Ghanaian Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
"Universal Soldier" Ghanaian Hand-Painted Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Starring Jean Claude Van-Damme and Dolph Lundgren, Universal Soldier was a pulpy action/sci-fi from the early 1990s. The film's international success is...
Category
1990s Ghanaian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Outsider Artist Mixed Woods Chair Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Consisting of lighter and darker woods laminated together for strength and geometry, this handmade chair sculpture had to have been a work of art brut. Round seat back echoed in the ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Baga Mandor Shrine a-Tshol
Located in Chicago, IL
When this powerful figure is engaged at Baga ceremonies, it directs the movements of the dancer handling it. Held in one’s hands or worn on the head, the figure becomes one with the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Guinean Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Handblown Gold Flecked and Fused Black Murano Glass Carnivale Masks
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Murano glass carnivale masks. Handblown and molded gold flecked black cased glass with infused colorful circular details.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Murano Glass
Stamped & Polished Metal Tribal Mask Wall Hanging
Located in Chicago, IL
Stamped and cut polished metal tribal mask. Foliate headdress, pierced and plated lower lip with pierced ears joining together in a necklace. Three dimensional with lacquered black b...
Category
20th Century American Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Robed Puppet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand puppets, like this one from China’s Zhejiang region, have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries. In the late 19th early-20th century this tiny robed gentleman proba...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Silk, Wood
Framed Akha Tribe Hand Embroidered Shoulder Bag
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand embroidered shoulder is from the Akha tribe and has been framed for display on a wall. The Akha are an indigenous hill tribe who live in small villages at higher elevations...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Cotton, Silk, Glass, Wood, Hemp
Child's American Painted Pine Cupboard Completely All Original and Quite Rare
Located in Chicago, IL
Awesome American pine original paint Child's Cupboard finished in a stunning Georgian Blue with glass knobs.
The back board on top of the piece can be removed upon request-- without ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Georgian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Pine, Paint
"A Bridge of Dragon" Ghanaian Movie Poster, c. 1999
Located in Chicago, IL
Starring Dolph Lundgren, Bridge of Dragons was a pulpy action/romance from the late 1990s. The film's international success is evident in this hand-pain...
Category
Late 20th Century Ghanaian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
c.1880 The Best Antique English Folk Art Hand-Beaded Pillow Ever
Located in Chicago, IL
After collecting antique English bead-work for over 40 years, we believe this fabulous pillow to be one of the finest examples in existence. The panel depicting a much earlier era, w...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Wool
Pair Brass Carnivale Masks Mounted On Black Marble
Located in Chicago, IL
Equisite pair of cast brass Carnivale masks mounted on black marble plinth bases. Very nicely patinated.
Category
20th Century Italian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Marble, Brass
Outsider Art Santa Claus, Acrylic On Paper.
Located in Chicago, IL
Just in time for the season, an outsider art child like Santa Claus painting done in acrylic on brown paper. Framed in a red lacquered wood and g...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Bone, Paint
Petite Bone Carving of an Elephant Rider
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier atop an elephant. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Company, ...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Bone, Paint
Vintage Black and White Highway One Road Sign, Enamel on Metal, Oversize
By US Government Printing Office
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage American road sign for Highway One has a striking graphic impact in look, texture and size. Measures 2 feet x 2 feet and has definitely seen some usage. Great patina and most...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Enamel, Sheet Metal
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Bone, Paint
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Bone, Paint
Painted Mexican Jaguar Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
The Jaguar Mask is an essential component of traditional Mexican dance and ritual, symbolizing power and ferocity. This particular mask hails from the state of Guerrero, Mexico known...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
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