Folk Art Sculptures
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the 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.
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 antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
Style: Folk Art
Color: Brown
Large Antique Carved Wood Female Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This fema...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Rare Original Cody Foster Folk Art Pink Wool Rabbit Easter Bunny Doll Strawberry
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare, one of Cody Fosters early original works. Folk art style stuffed animal figurine in the form of a pink rabbit wearing a bow tie and holding a yellow ...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wool, Velvet, Plaster, Paint
Mexican Burnished Clay Figures Folklore with Wooden Frame Folk Art Oaxaca Wall
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Folk Art piece is a beautiful representation of the Candela festivity in Yanhuitlan, Oaxaca. A folkloric wall hanging representation of musicians, dancers, and tradition.
Artist Manuel Reyes...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay, Ceramic, Wood
The World of Rodin by William Harlan Hale, published in 1976 Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The World of Rodin by William Harlan Hale, published in 1976 by Time Life, USA.
The World of Rodin 1840-1917 Hardcover With Slipcase Time Life Vintage Book.
192 pages, pictorial en...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Very Large Charming Carved Wood Folk Art Swan Decoy Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic country Folk Art swan decoy of impressive scale, made of painted carved wood and having a wonderful aged patina.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Primitive architectural carved wood mounted Indian horse head
A beautiful piece of folk architecture from the Indian continent, the horse head was usu...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Carved Wood Male Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This larg...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Carved Wooden African Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful hand carved head of Hardwood. A stunning sculpted and carved piece. A stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a large book end. Truly a compliment to any space and...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
Hand Carved and Hand Painted Wooden Sculpture of a Hunter with Dog
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully carved and hand painted wooden sculpture of a hunter with his dog and gun. This adorable sculpture, beautifully crafted in detail, will decorate any room or make a grea...
Category
1970s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Massive Vintage Cotton Elephant Covered in Indian Textiles
By Liberty & Co., Harrods
Located in Houston, TX
Massive vintage cotton elephant, covered in Indian textiles, retailed in the 1950s by Harrods. Exterior decorated in embroidered designs, tassels, tiny mirrors...
Category
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wire
19th Century Austrian Carved Pine Folk Art Farmer and His Oxen Model
Located in London, GB
19th century carved pine folk art farmer and his oxen model
We are proud to offer a unique example of a late 19th century hand carved pine folk art model of a farmer and his oxen. R...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Staffordshire Pearlware Musicians and Sheep Bocage Group
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a couple seated before a tree, playing musical instruments. Sheep and dogs around them, seated on a ...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Vintage ANRI Folk Art Hand Carved & Painted Sculpture "The Lumberjack" by Duquet
By ANRI
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage folk art hand carved and polychrome painted sculpture is signed with the maker's label of the ANRI group of cavers from Italy and done in circa 1960. This carving was bought from a private estate with another one of one entitled "Old Habitant", which has the identical script on the front and back, but posted separately. These carvings were done by the master carvers of the ANRI factory who worked from a model, usually unique to them, but this one shows it is an example of a work done by the Master Quebec wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Creche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Rooster Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming early 20th American Folk Art carved pine rooster weathervane with a wonderful silhouette with a large tail, applied wings, and copper legs all supported by an iron rod wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Hand Carved and Painted Figural Nutcracker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Folk Art nutcracker with man in cap decoration, circa 1920-1930s. Fine expressive facial and lovely hand painted details. Very nice, vintage condition with light wear co...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Wooden Architectural Gou Mata Temple Elements, India, Ca 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Very decorative wooden architectural elements made in India around the year 1900.
These carriers, each 28 centimeters high, were part of ...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Twine, Cotton, Wood
Vintage American Wood Shoe Molds Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage American wood women shoe form molds mounted as bookends
Vintage wooden shoe making mold from the 1930s.
A pair of shoe form bookends, these well carved solid wood shoe mould would have been used to make handmade shoes.
These molds were traditionally made for each customer and would be used each time they came into the cobbler for a new pair of shoes.
It is in good original condition with the patina and metal that shows age.
Cobbler molds size 6.5 B model 258
Made from solid wood, I love these moulds because of their individual nature but also they are almost a piece of sculpture.
This elegant women wooden shoes bookends form mold make a great addition to your vintage decor.
Vintage hand carved wood cobbler shoe molds...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large European Folk Art Carved Wooden Standing Man Carrying a Basket Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large Folk Art wooden sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe and most likely Italy in circa 1920 in a Folk Art style. This large wooden carved sculpture depicts an elderly bearded man carrying a heavy basket on his back and holding the straps in the front to support the weight. This is quite a tall carving...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Laos Buddha Statue 19th century
Located in New York, NY
19th century Lao Buddha statue. Folk Art figure representation of Buddha. A solid wood block carving with remnants of pigments. To collectors Lao Buddha fig...
Category
1890s Laotian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Hand Carved Painted Stag Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A charming and whimsical vintage hand carved stag sculpture in wood, with original distressed painted white finish, dating to the early 20th century. Exceptionally carved and sculpted from a single log, the solid wooden sculptural figure having no separation except for the removable and adjustable intricately crafted six point antlers and folding ears. Both easily adjust to allow positioning in different locations, such as on a narrow fireplace...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
Unusual Set of German Mid-20th Century Shop Trade Sign Tools
Located in London, GB
Unusual set of German mid-20th century shop trade sign tools
Every now and again we are lucky enough to acquire items that firstly we have never seen and secondly, we will never see...
Category
1950s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
19c Folk Art Country Swedish Adze Carved Rosewood Tripod Table Bowl Decorative
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Bought from an Antiques shop in Sweden, this charming, richly patinated tripod bowl table is hewn from a solid log of Rosewood - weighing in at 7kg, it's an incredibly extravagant us...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Rosewood, Oak
Fantastic Nantucket Hand Carved and Painted Folk Art Seagull Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful Folk Art carved and hand painted wooden seagull on base having an authentic weathered patina and faded grey, black and yellow color palette.
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Instructional Mushroom Model
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage instructional mushroom model from an art school in France. Entire set pictured together in last three images.
Category
1940s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Concrete
Antique Folk Art Dog And Cat Form Brass Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An authentic Pair of Antique Cat and Dog Andirons in original as found condition. Ca. early 20th c. hollow cast brass. Each seated and looking out. The cat with a wide curled tail, t...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Southeast Asian Thai Carved Polychrome Rabbit Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large whimsical hand carved and painted antique Southeast Asian wooden hare sculpture with incised detailing, polychrome decoration and beautifully aged patina.
Hand-crafted in th...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Hand Carved African Zebra Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Nice pair of hand carved heavy wood bookends African Zebra sculptures.
This fine detailed hand carved and hand painted elephant bookends.
Each zebra sculpture with base and side is...
Category
Mid-20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Indonesian Carved Wooden Seated Gentleman
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a glorious early 20th century Indonesian carved wooden seated gentleman.
This is Beautiful bit of ‘treen’ carved most likel...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Hand Carved German Apothecary Shop Display Figure
Located in London, GB
19th century hand carved apothecary shop display figure.
A rare hand carved 19th century apothecary shop display figure. Of German origin this figure would likely have sat either on...
Category
1880s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Vintage Carved Wood Pinocchio Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture.
Charming vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture. This interesting bust of Pinocchio is well made with a ...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Birch
Shell Encrusted Cat Figurine
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical shell-covered cat figurine. Delicately applied seashells cover this feline figurine in an array of browns. Great for the kitten lover, or for ...
Category
20th Century Philippine Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Shell
Hand Made Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Mans Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful sculpture of a mans head... reminiscent of an Italian icon, the piece is unique and a wonderful stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a paper weight or bookend. ...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Scottish Ram in Polychrome Wood, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb polychrome carved wooden ram from Scotland-19th century
Very elegant and surprising ram which is almost carved at life size which comes from a Manor in Scotland.
Uncommon ...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Late 20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Christmas Tree Stand Iron Folk Art German
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hugh Christmas tree stand made of iron. The stand is decorated with three large hands painted Santa Claus. The Santa Claus is decorated on both si...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century Folk Art Driftwood Dachshund Dog
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 20th century Folk Art driftwood dachshund, circa 1920, a natural form piece of driftwood that has been augmented with the addition of inset Periwinkle shell eyes, two drilled n...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
Framed Set of Four Herbaria
Located in Houston, TX
Framed set of four vintage herbaria, (circa 1930-1949, Sweden). Each herbarium (botanical) measures: 15.75 inches high x 9.5 inches wide and floats within a...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Duck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art hand carved wooden duck - a wonderful piece! One of our favorite pieces, the life size shape and graceful angle of the neck give the p...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility Dolls
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Mexican Burnished Clay Mother and Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Maricela Gómez López, a hardworking mother and artist portrays her life through her work. Living and growing up in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, a small town in central Mexico, the role ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Hand Made Stylized Folk Art Wooden Mannequin
Located in Troy, MI
New, hand-crafted mannequin torso composed of spaced and layered unfinished wood. Created and acquired from an English artist.
Category
2010s English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of German Hand Carved Wood Figurative Sculptures of Two Boys Musicians
Located in Barntrup, DE
Adorable pair of hand carved wooden figurines of two boys playing the whistle, Germany, the first half of the 20th century.
Dimensions: H...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Life Size Antique Carved and Painted Swan Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and impressive pair of hand carved Swans which may have at one time been decoys having fine form and presence. In newer white paint with black beaks and eyes. The unpainted i...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Important Antique Folk Art Carnival Figure of a Macaque
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A hollow finely carved wood macaque figure dressed as a human with short green hair, a blue jacket and yellow slacks. He stands and holds a walking stick in his left hand and crosses...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Early 20th Century English Folk-art Hand Carved Gentleman Boxwood Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century English Folk-art Hand Carved Gentleman Figure
We are proud to offer a unique hand carved English folk-art figure of a quirky looking, very well dressed aged Engl...
Category
1910s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Boxwood
Monumental Folk Art Carved TOTEM Statue Sculpture Man Flute Animals
Located in Dayton, OH
The carving features a man dancing and playing a flute in the treetops with cows / ox, snakes, lizards, frogs, monkeys, a pipe and insects. Carved from one piece. Unsigned.
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Mexican Burnished Clay Woman with Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Maricela Gómez López. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay, Ceramic
Moroccan Antique Brass Sugar Hammer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of two Moroccan brass Berber tribal sugar hammer.
Moroccan Collectible Brass Berber Sugar Hammer,Brass Berber Tribal Sugar Hammer.
Authentic old Tuare...
Category
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Large Folk Art Driftwood Horse Head Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial sculpture of a horse's head is unsigned, but believed to have been made in Canada in circa 1980. The sculpture is made completely of pieces of driftwood...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
Large Antique Papier Maché Carnival Masks, 1900s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
For sale are these rare, large early 20th century carnival masks made from wood and painted papier maché.
Although looking a little creepy and intriguing they have a great decorat...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paper
Australian Aboriginal Carved and Painted Spear from Melville Island
By Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri
Located in Atlanta, GA
Title: A ceremonial spear with clan design paint
Artist: Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri
DOB: 19/04/1973
Medium: Ocher paint on ironwood carving
DOC:...
Category
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
American Cast Iron Doorstop in the Form of a Boston Terrier
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Boston Terrier was made in cast iron by Bradley and Hubbard Co. Meriden CT in the 1920s
Model #7294-N.
A finely modeled hollow half round cast form with natural brindle paint.
See:
The Doorstop Book, John and Nancy Smith...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Vintage Leather Parrot by Federico Mexico
Located in Miami, FL
Leather parrot from Mexico. Sitting on a brass perch.
Marked Federico Made in Mexico.
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Folk Art sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art sculptures made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Jim Rose, Tonala Pottery, Victor Anicet, and Royal Doulton. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $38 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,404.