Fulani Hat
20th Century Malian Folk Art Decorative Art
Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1980s African Other Tribal Art
Leather, Raffia
20th Century Malian Tribal Decorative Art
Leather, Straw
20th Century Malian Folk Art Tribal Art
Leather, Straw
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antiquities
Textile
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antiquities
Textile
Mid-20th Century Guatemalan Spanish Colonial Tribal Art
Wool
Mid-20th Century Indian Tribal Textiles
Silk, Beads, Cotton
Vintage 1920s Chinese Qing Mounted Objects
Metal
20th Century Mounted Objects
Metal
Antique Early 19th Century Persian Islamic Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 18th Century Greek Tribal Art
Metal
Early 20th Century Bhutanese Tribal Textiles
Cotton
1990s Turkmen Folk Art Tapestries
Cotton
Early 20th Century Burmese Tribal Textiles
Cotton
Antique Early 19th Century Tunisian Other Historical Memorabilia
Silver, Bronze
Early 20th Century English Other Trunks and Luggage
Silver
20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Cotton, Grasscloth
Early 20th Century Chinese Tribal Textiles
Cotton
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.