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Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

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.

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Style: Folk Art
Period: 20th Century
Vintage Asafo Flag in Pink Cotton Appliqué Pattern by Fante People, Ghana, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Kwamina Amoaku Ghana, 1960s Asafo flag in cotton applique patterns. Fante People. Asafo Flags are created by the Fante people of Ghana. The flags are visual representations of mili...
Category

1960s Ghanaian Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Kwamina Amoaku Asafo Flag in Cotton Appliqué Pattern, Ghana, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Kwamina Amoaku Ghana, 1960's Fante Asafo flag in cotton applique patterns. Fante People. Asafo Flags are created by the Fante people of Ghana. The flags are visual representations...
Category

1960s Ghanaian Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Original Pottery Sculpture Head Planter, General Charles De Gaulle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Original Pottery sculpture head planter, general Charles De Gaulle Political Memorabilia. This original, one-of-a-kind pottery sculpture head is a...
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Clay

Large Mid-Century Era Watercolor Painting of President Dwight & Mrs. Eisenhower
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and well executed original watercolor painting on masonite board is signed by a Jim Barclay, presumably from the United States, dating to 1964 and done in a period folk art style. The painting depicts President and Mrs. Dwight Eisenhower...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Masonite, Paint

Large Framed American Flag Folk Art Quilt
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Nicely faded American flag quilt. Excellent hand stitched dancing Folk Art stars. Skilled quilting, a nice graphic large-scale wall hanging. White ...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Russian Matryoshka Nestled Dolls 'Czar Nicholas II and Family'
Located in Asheville, NC
Hand-painted and carved neastled dolls of Alexandra and Nicholas II and their four daughters, the Grand Duchess Olga in 1895, the Grand Duchess Tati...
Category

Mid-20th Century Russian Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Patriotic Flag Quilt Old Glory
Located in Darnestown, MD
Nothing could be more of the moment than this patriotic flag quilt depicting Old Glory. It was most likely made either for the admission of Arizona into st...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Framed Hand Sewn Patriotic Sham Made from a Flag and Ship Ribbons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Great framed Folk Art sham with 48star flag and ship ribbons is a great patriotic item. The top left corner as well as the bottom right corner are scraps of a 48 star linen flag and in between them are ribbons of ships names that are sewn together in a collage. The American ships span three centuries of ships ribbons, from late 19th century to present day ships. As well as the "USS Utah" which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. This great and proud sham is not only a great American item but is a Symbol of hope and unity throughout the ages. Serves better as a hanging Folk Art...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Plexiglass

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Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
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Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
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19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

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Thomas Jefferson Crannock Carved Cane
Located in Darnestown, MD
Unique carved cane that chronicles the life and achievements of Thomas Jefferson. Among the carved words are "Thos. Jefferson of Va Born Apr 2,1743 Wa...
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19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

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Thomas Jefferson Crannock Carved Cane
Thomas Jefferson Crannock Carved Cane
H 36.75 in W 1 in D 0.75 in
Selection of Three WPA Era Paintings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Group of Three WPA Era Paintings, American, circa 1930s-1950s. From left to right, they are: 1) Brick mason oil painting, American, circa 1930s. It ...
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1930s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

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Canvas, Wood

Selection of Three WPA Era Paintings
Selection of Three WPA Era Paintings
H 33.5 in W 27.5 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Italian Flag c.1940 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original Italian flag with brass grommets to hang it. CREATOR American Flag and Banner Company, San Francisco. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.19...
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Early 20th Century Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

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Brass

Antique Hand-Carved Meerschaum Smoking Pipe of Napoleon Bonaparte & Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique well executed hand-carved meerschaum pipe was made by the Drown Pipe company of Vienna Austria and dates to approximately 1900 and done in a Renasissance Revival style. ...
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Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Clay

Dutch WWII Caricatures of Hitler, Göring, Stalin, Rooseveld, and Churchill
By Guust
Located in Haarlem, NL
A very remarkable collection of Folk Art caricatures made of Dutch ration 'food stamps.'  First caricature portrays a fat Hermann Go¨ring holding a cerem...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

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Paper

36-Star American Flag, Hand-Cut and Sewn, Civil War Era with Rare Pattern
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This a 36-star medallion American flag, with a magnificent and rare star pattern and campaign connection. 36 stars celebrate the addition of Nevada to the Union and officially flew f...
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1860s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Set of 8 Russian Matryoshka Dolls Hand Painted Khokhloma, Early/Mid 20th Century
Located in Andernach, DE
Antique set of 8 Nesting Dolls, known as Matryoshka, placed in the 1920s to 1950s. The original set contained of 10, the 2 smallest have gone travelling the world! Completely hand cr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Russian Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Pine

Pair 19th Century Victorian Eastlake Free Mason Throne Chairs w/ Symbolism
Located in Savannah, GA
Victorian Eastlake large upholstered solid oak throne chairs from Masonic Lodge with lots of detailed carving. The pair consists of one with the plumb bob sy...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Vintage Deco-Tel Rotary Phone Telephone American Flag Patriotic 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Deco-Tel Rotary Phone Telephone American Flag Patriotic 1970s. Circa 1970s. Measurements: 12" H x 5.5" W x 5.5" D.
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Plastic

Eagle and Flag Bronze Sculpture by Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri, Limited Edition 205/475
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a patinated bronze eagle by Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri. The eagle is depicted landing on a tree stump, with wings dramatically raised. The stump is draped with a polychrome American flag. The bronze is signed "Lorenzo Ghiglieri...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze

Large Mid Century Expressionist Painting of Male Acrylic on Board c. 1950/1960s
Located in New York, NY
Large expressionist painting of a naked man in a curled up, almost in a fetal position. The male figure is painted in tonal yellow and br...
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Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Acrylic, Masonite

Previously Available Items
Giant 1950s State of California Bear Framed Vintage Flag
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early California state bear flag. Super graphic and bold colors. Perfect amount of patina and wear as expected for a flag of this vintage. Earlier design. No...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Muslin

19th C Elks Lodge Large Banner Seacoast Temple Atlantic Highlands New Jersey
Located in Savannah, GA
Large very detailed banner from the Elks Lodge hangs on a long brass rod with fringe and tassels.The I.B.P.O. stands for the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the W...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Large Hand Sewn Chinese Political Chairman Mao Zedong Wall Hanging
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large hand-crafted wall hanging or banner is signed by an unknown artist, and presumed to have originated from China and is dated to 1969 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The banner is done on a coarse beige linen with depictions of Chairman Mao and possibly his Defence Minister holding the "Red Book". The needlework is done in a vibrant red, with contrasting black and army green. The banner is has a hand stitched signature and dated "1969" in the bottom right corner area. Please note this is a very large linen wall hanging...
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Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Linen

Early 1900s Framed Oilcloth Temperance Sign from the Woman's Christian Union
Located in Savannah, GA
Oversized colorful framed banner painted on oilcloth advocating abstinence from the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. "The Temperance Movement was a ...
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Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Unusual Hand Carved Wooden Arm, Flag Holder with Flag, Veterans Facility
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual hand carved wooden arm, flag holder with flag, wall mounted, beautifully hand carved, sculptural mans arm / hand, Salvaged from Veterans Lodge outs...
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1930s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Fabric, Wood

"Penny Pineapple" Mechanical Bank Commemorating Hawaiin Statehood American, 1960
Located in Incline Village, NV
Cast Iron mechanical bank manufactured in Littlestown and Deer Park Pennsylvania. Imswiler and Saylor (note embossing on bottom plate) purchased casting rights and manufactured the f...
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Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Rare South African Folk Art Carved Storyboard Panel, circa 1930s
Located in Peabody, MA
A rare relief carved and pigmented wooden storyboard panel detailing events of the late 19th and early 20th century related to South Africa’s Zulu history and the Boer Wars. Atop this folk art panel, dated 1937, is a depiction of two heroes of the Transvaal, Paul Kruger...
Category

1930s South African Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Red, White and Blue Painted Wood Patriotic Parade Staff on Custom Metal Stand
Located in Essex, MA
A tall red, white and blue carved and painted patriotic wood staff used in parades, on a custom made black painted metal display stand.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

American Eagle and Rattlesnake Patriotic Folk Art Wood Carving, circa 1900
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Our nation’s symbol is presented with its wings spread, perched on a rock ready to attack the aggressive serpent. This artistic and detailed wood carving displays a tremendous tensio...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Vintage Asafo Flag in Cotton Applique Patterns, Ghana, 1940s
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Fante Asafo flag in cotton applique patterns with embroidery of the sun. Asafo flags are created by the Fante People of Ghana. The flags are visual ...
Category

1940s Ghanaian Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Fante Asafo Flag in Cotton Applique Patterns, Ghana, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Unique Fante Asafo flag in cotton applique patterns. Asafo flags are created by the Fante People of Ghana. The flags are visual representations of m...
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1950s Ghanaian Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Wood Red White and Blue Wood Ballot Box American Folk Art
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early 20th century locking ballot box. Found in the Kansas. Fantastic red, white and blue original paint alligatored surface. Nice graphic design piece. Great for storage.
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Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

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Iron

Folk Art political and patriotic memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Folk Art political and patriotic memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. 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.

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