Find many varieties of an authentic alaska totem available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of
wood,
cedar and
paper, every alaska totem was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the alaska totem you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each alaska totem bearing
folk art hallmarks is very popular. A well-made alaska totem has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by
Fred Schumm,
Duane Pasco and
Native American Art are consistently popular.
Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.
American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of folk art on 1stDibs.