African Iron Mask
Vintage 1970s Ivorian Tribal Masks
Iron
1990s European Modern Decorative Art
Iron
1990s Mozambican Rustic Mounted Objects
Iron
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Wall Lights and Sconces
Iron
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century African Tribal Art
Iron
Antique 19th Century Malian Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
Late 20th Century Masks
Vintage 1950s Malian Tribal Masks
Iron
Vintage 1930s African Masks
Iron
Vintage 1940s African Masks
Iron
Early 20th Century African Tribal Wall Lights and Sconces
Iron
Early 20th Century Moroccan Tribal Wall Lights and Sconces
Iron
Vintage 1940s Malian Masks
Vintage 1950s Ivorian Masks
Iron
People Also Browsed
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Dining Room Tables
Wood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Rope, Wood
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Ceramic, Mirror
2010s American Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Aluminum, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Night Stands
Brass
2010s American Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Side Tables
Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Cowhide, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century American Grand Tour Busts
Plaster, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables
Steel
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Aluminum
Antique 18th Century English George III Paperweights
Walnut
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.
Read More
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.