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.
African Tuareg Silver Pewter Tea Pot from Mauritania
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage African Tuareg Tea pot Mauritania Mid-20th century Tuareg teapot from Mauritania, Africa, Western Sahara. Handcrafted of pewter, copper and brass...
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Handcrafted Tuareg Tea Pot, Pewter with Brass & Copper, 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mid-20th century Tuareg tea pot from Mauritania, Africa, Western Sahara. Handcrafted of pewter, copper and brass decorations. The Tuareg people inhabit a large area, covering almost ...
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Vintage Tuareg Pewter Teapot, Handcrafted Folk Art from Mauritania
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage African Tuareg teapot Mauritania Mid-20th century Tuareg teapot from Mauritania, Africa, Western Sahara. Handcrafted of pewter, copper and brass ...
Brass, Pewter, Copper
Vintage Teak Wood Bowl from Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A teak wood bowl crafted on the island of Java, Indonesia. The bowl was cut from a much larger slab of wood and maintains a minimalist design.
Teak
large African Dahomey Anti-Colonial Folk Tapestry, Benin framed
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
African Dahomey Anti-Colonial Folk Tapestry, Benin, cotton applique, mid 20th c.
Cotton
Bronze Head of an Oba, Yoruba People, 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A Benin bronze of an Oba. Oba means ruler in the Yoruba language. Wearing a lattice-pattern cap with strands of beads suspended around the head. The neck is bound with a lattice-patt...
Bronze
Unavailable|$5,100
H 64.75 in W 101.25 in D 2.5 in
From the Rush Limbaugh Collection Korhogo Cloth from Ivory Coast of Africa
By Korhogo Tribe
Located in Asheville, NC
This is a hand spun, hand woven and hand painted cotton cloth for which an entire village takes part in its creation. Women of the Korhoga Tribe spin the cotton, while the men weave ...
Cotton
Cast Bronze Relief Plaque from Benin, 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Intriguing cast bronze relief plaque from Benin, showing three guardians. The plaque was modeled after ancient Benin bronzes but was made in the 20th century. The plaque is cast in b...
Bronze
1930's - 1940's Woven Beer Pot Cover, Cameroon
Located in London, GB
Beautifully decorated covers such as this were traditionally placed over large earthen vessels of local brew, with the intricacy of their designs reflecting the significance of the v...
Natural Fiber, Beads
Native American Hand Painted Gourd Vase / Pot with Abstract Motif
Located in Red Lion, PA
Native American Hand-Painted Gourd Vase / Pot with Abstract Motif This beautiful hand-painted gourd vase is both sculptural and organi, a striking example of Native American artistr...
Natural Fiber
Framed Riga Gound from Nigeria With Tribal Motifs
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A framed Riga Gound from Nigeria. Elite Nigerian men wore grand, flowing garments known by various names: riga (Hausa), agbádá (Yorùbá), boubou (French), and mbubb (Wolof). This particular strip-woven riga features a off-white, very light grey tone with silk accents adding contrast. Skilled embroiderers—often trained in Arabic calligraphy—incorporated motifs once imbued with protective Islamic symbolism. Central to the textile is a leaf (gambiya) motif, linked to the Nupe people. A spiral design symbolizes the wearer’s spiritual journey toward God. The hem is lined with magenta silk, imported via trans-Saharan trade routes. Historically admired across cultures, the riga remains a cornerstone of pan-Nigerian male national dress today. This framed Riga Gound has a unique back story. Having owned a prominent antiques shop in Hong-Kong for more than two decades it was common for antique dealers to sometimes come to the shop and present items to sell...
Cotton, Silk
African Shield Wallaïta from Ethiopia Early 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
African shield Wallaïta from Ethiopia, early 20th century. Base: 40 x 17cm.
Leather
Folk Style Filipino Hanging Talisman Or Outdoor Chandelier
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly invite you to read the full description below, as it contains detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity and value of our pieces. An original ...
Metal
African Shield Oromo from Ethiopia Early 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
African shield Oromo from Ethiopia, early 20th century. Base 34 x 20cm.
Leather
Vintage Peruvian Folk Art Framed Negreria Dance Cape
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce framed fragment of "Negreria" dance cape, circa 1940s, Huayucachi, Junin, Peru. Dating to the mid-20th century, the rare large size South ...
Textile, Cotton, Sequins
Folk Art Studio Pottery Teapot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Folk Art Studio pottery teapot - a uniquely hand crafted tea pot with a whimsical style and compliment to any kitchen or shelf for art. The pot...
Pottery
Large Monkey Teapot Ceramic Sculpture by Ardmore from South Africa
Located in New York, NY
Monkey teapot AAA, ceramic sculpture by Ardmore from South Africa. Sculpted by Lovemore Sithole and Sfiso Mvelase, painted by Roux Gwala. 2016 is the yea...
Ceramic