Sande Mask
Early 20th Century African Mounted Objects
Wood
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Sierra Leonean Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
Mid-20th Century Sierra Leonean Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Liberian Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
Early 20th Century Sierra Leonean Tribal Art
Vintage 1950s Sierra Leonean Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs
Walnut
Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Antiquities
Marble
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Fabric, Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates
Bronze
Antique 1850s French Renaissance Revival Decorative Boxes
Gold, Steel
20th Century French Belle Époque Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks
Agate, Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass, Metal
Early 20th Century Burkinabe Primitive Masks
Wood
20th Century Malian Folk Art Masks
Shell, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Bookcases
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century African Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Center Tables
Malachite
Antique Early 1900s German Jugendstil Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Vintage 1960s Congolese Masks
Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Teak
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.