Bwa Mask
20th Century Malian Masks
Wood
Early 20th Century Burkinabe Primitive Masks
Wood
Mid-20th Century Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art
Wood, Paint
20th Century African Decorative Art
Wood
20th Century Congolese Tribal Art
Wood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
2010s American Abstract Sculptures
Granite, Stainless Steel
20th Century Burkinabe Masks
Wood
Mid-20th Century Malian Masks
Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
Vintage 1980s Malian Tribal Masks
Wood
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Paint, Wood
2010s Chairs
Leather, Rattan
Early 20th Century Central African Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
Early 20th Century Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
People Also Browsed
2010s Brazilian Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Leather, Upholstery, Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century Romantic Figurative Prints
Lithograph
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Art Deco Side Tables
Composition
Antique 17th Century French Doors and Gates
Metal, Iron
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
1940s Other Art Style Figurative Sculptures
Wood
1990s Realist Figurative Prints
Lithograph
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lanterns
Iron
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Straw, Beech
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage 1950s Beninese Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Malachite
Vintage 1950s Italian Dining Room Tables
Aluminum
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Crystal Serveware
Crystal, Ormolu
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Bedroom Sets
Walnut
Early 20th Century Liberian Tribal Tribal Art
Aluminum
Finding the Right Folk Art for You
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.
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A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
The 13-Star American Flag Had More Variations Than You’d Think
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Tramp Art, America’s Most Misunderstood Art Form, Is Trending in Interiors
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.