Mambila / Chamba Hoe African Currency — North Eastern Nigeria & Cameroon
Located in New York, NY
The hoe currency is among the most architecturally compelling of these objects.
Metal, Iron
19th Century Hammer Currency, Ensuba, Bafia People, Cameroon
Located in Point Richmond, CA
19th century hammer currency, Ensuba, Bafia People, Cameroon Sometimes referred to as potato masher currency, but known to the Bafia people as ensuba, this rare intact example wei...
Ceramic
African Bronze Currency Cuff, Hand-Crafted, Early 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Yoruba beaded king’s hat is a masterwork of royal artistry, embodying the prestige, spirituality, and ceremonial grandeur of Yoruba court culture. Densely adorned with...
Raffia, Beads
African Currency Bracelets on Custom Mounts, Set of 3
Located in Elkhart, IN
A set of three African currency bracelets on custom black steel stands. Bracelets alone measure 3.5"W x .5"D x 3.5"H approximately.
Metal, Steel
Igbo Iron Currency Knife — Sculptural Trade Form, Southeastern Nigeria, 1900
Located in New York, NY
A striking expression of pre-colonial value systems, this Igbo iron currency knife from southeastern Nigeria operates at the intersection of economy, ritual, and sculpture. Forged by...
Iron
19th Century African Throwing Knife Currency — Marghi / Mofu, Nigeria, Cameroon
Located in New York, NY
Before coinage became standardized across West and Central Africa, wealth was often held in iron. In parts of present-day northeastern Nigeria and northern Cameroon, highly forged th...
Metal, Iron
Trio of Bronze Currency Bracelets, Unique Detailing, Rich Patina, On Stands
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking grouping of African bronze currency bracelets brings together three distinct sculptural forms, each enriched by intricate markings, openwork details, and a richly weath...
Bronze
An Unusually Large 19th Century Topoke Tribe Currency Sword
Located in Hudson, NY
This currency sword, like most African trade currency items, was used as a way to transfer wealth for the purpose of buying land or animals but is most often associated with the sign...
Iron
African Bronze Currency, Rich Green & Brown Patina on a Display Stand
Located in Chicago, IL
Cast in bronze and shaped as an open circular form, this African currency object embodies the union of wealth, artistry, and social identity. Its smooth, monumental silhouette and ri...
Bronze
African Bronze Currency, Geometric Motifs, Well Patinaed, on a Display Stand
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely cast African currency ring transforms the concept of wealth into a work of art. Its open circular form is animated by delicate geometric motifs and pierced ornamentation,...
Bronze
Antique West African Ivory Coast Baule - Senufo Currency Bracelet in Bronze
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Senufo/baule Locking Currency Bracelet: a time honored texture and form define this Senufo sculptural object. The abstract etchings were achieved through a process known as scarifica...
Bronze
Igbo Iron Currency Knife Sculpture on Custom Platform, Nigeria, 1890-1920s
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of West African material culture, this Igbo iron currency knife from Nigeria embodies the intersection of economy, artistry, and ritual within traditional African ...
Metal, Iron
Pair of 20th Century Mbole Currency Pieces on Custom Mounts
Located in Chicago, IL
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural of the Mbole people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with this exquisite pair of 20th-century Mbole copper currency cuffs. Mounted on cus...
Copper
African Iron Spear-Form Currency Mounted On A Custom Steel Base
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful spear form currency with spiral loops below the spear head festooned with three 'bells' on each side. An appealing design executed by a master craftsman. Beautifully mounte...
Iron
Pair of African Iron Bandaka Hoe Currency, Mounted on Custom Steel Bases
Located in Stamford, CT
2 African iron Bandaka hoe currency, Mabila and Chamba Peoples, Nigeria and Cameroon. The iron, hammered into the form of a hoe, was used as currency. Mounted they are wonderful pie...
Iron
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.
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.
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.
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
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.
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.
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.