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20th Century Primitives

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Period: 20th Century
Folk Art Hand Carved Spruce Whimsy Chain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nice, whimsical Folk Art chain whittled from one continuous piece of wood (spruce, in this case). One end features a hook, the other a clasp. The wood h...
Category

American Folk Art Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Spruce

1950s American Studio Craft Iron Triangle Dinner Bell
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Hand-forged dinner triangle, delicate swan head, in the manner of Early Russel Wright designed Iron Works, very reminiscent of the deer andirons.
Category

American Mid-Century Modern Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

Contemporary Ebony Makonde African Wood Carving
Located in Houston, TX
A beautiful contemporary collector piece of Makonde ebony tree of life art carving with unbelievable detailed wood carving.
Category

Tanzanian Primitive Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Ebony

Inca Style Double Candlestick Holder
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
South/Central American (Incan/Mayan) style double candleholder. Bottom is marked J.P. (or J.R.) Combes Aigues-Vives, Aude (town in southern France) 65 (1965) Piece Unique. Combes ma...
Category

20th Century Primitives

Pair of African Lobi Tribe Wooden Chairs, 20th Century Folk Art
Located in Valby, 84
This unique pair of Lobi chairs from West Africa showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the Lobi people, renowned for their functional yet sculptural designs. Hand-carved from so...
Category

African Tribal 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Collection of Burkina Faso Currency
Located in Atlanta, GA
A collection of Burkina Faso currency from the mid-20th century. This assortment of three vintage African ritual iron snakes effigies originate from the L...
Category

Burkinabe 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

Pair of 20th Century East African Grain Bowls with Handles
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century East African grain bowls with handles pair (two pieces in set). From left to right A) 10.5" height x 10" diameter B) 8.5" height x 9" diameter.
Category

Zimbabwean 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Pair of African Mumuye Rain Wands on Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of African Mumuye rain wands on custom stands. This pair of vintage tribal rain wands originate from the Mumuye peoples of West Africa, Nigeria. These forged-iron wands were utilized by the Mumuye shamans in rain-making ceremonies where they would place the bottom ends in small holes dug into the earth, and symbolically petition the gods for rain. This pair of Mumuye rain wands are each presented upon custom black iron stands, making a great pair of decorative objects...
Category

Nigerian 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

Victorian Era Wooden Bead Centerpiece Bowl Czechoslovakian Art Craft Studio
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Mesmerizing design, great table prop or functional decor, signed to bottom, Made in Czechoslovakia. Measures: Bowl only diameter 10.25 x height 3.25 in.
Category

Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Long Folk Art Hand Carved Pine Whimsy Chain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful, whimsical folk art chain whittled from one continuous piece of wood (pine, in this case). One end features what resembles an arrow fletching,...
Category

American Folk Art Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Pine

Early 20th Century Oak Splint Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century hand-woven oak splint gathering basket with a single bent oak handle, a double banded rim, and a lovely wonky shape. Found in Wisconsin.
Category

American Folk Art 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Oak

Hand Carved Tribal Wooden Nepalese Beaker Milk Pot with Handle
By Kuba
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large hand carved tribal wooden beaker Nepalese milk pot with handle. Early 20th century antique tribal milk pot with incised pattern. This rustic milk pot wa...
Category

Nepalese Folk Art 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Antique blacksmith's bellows from the early 1900s made of wood, wrought iron and leather
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Large early 20th century blacksmith's bellows made of leather, wrought iron, and pine. This antique bellows once fed an old forge fire today instead it could be an original mantel t...
Category

French Industrial 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique bookbinder's press with cabinet early 20th century
Located in Cesena, FC
Antique bookbinder's press with cabinet early 20th century Antique bookbinder's press with cabinet early 20th century, Italian Antique bookbinder's press with distinctive Oak cabin...
Category

European Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

Vintage 1950s Copper Lanterns - Unique Patina & Retro Charm
Located in Manzano, IT
Vintage 1950s Copper Lanterns - Unique Patina & Retro Charm Elevate your interior or exterior decor with this striking pair of vintage copper lanterns from the 1950s. These exquisit...
Category

Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century African Calabash
Located in Chicago, IL
Small leather Calabash from Africa Dimensions: 10 in. height x 6 in. diameter with a 4.24 in. diameter opening.
Category

Congolese 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Leather, Wood

Senufo Crocodile Headdress, Africa
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Large openwork crest mounted upon a woven basketry cap. The large, square decorative panel bears a central reptilian or stylized crocodile depiction with alternating squared painted ...
Category

Ivorian Primitive 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Tribal Stool from Africa
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large scale, hand carved and silver painted Ashanti tribal stool. Likely painted silver in the 1920s to compliment metallic trend of the Art Dec...
Category

Ghanaian Tribal 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood, Paint

Related Items
Folk Art Primitive Hand-Carved Bull
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Primitive hand-carved Folk Art bull made of wood. Great hand work and scale. One Horn has a chip. Great sculptural piece.
Category

American Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Primitive Hand-Carved Bull
Folk Art Primitive Hand-Carved Bull
$395
H 11 in W 16 in D 6 in
Wood Carved American Folk Art Muscle Car
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand carved Folk Art American Muscle car. Wood carved with original paint surface.
Category

Folk Art Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Wood Carved American Folk Art Muscle Car
Wood Carved American Folk Art Muscle Car
$1,400
H 7 in W 21 in D 11 in
Mossi Incised Currency Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
The blacksmiths and sculptors of the Mossi People were held in special regard by the tribe's ruling class. Their ability to shape bronze and other precious metals into currency and status symbols made them valuable members of the powerful tribe. The intricate design of this currency bracelet...
Category

20th Century Primitives

Materials

Bronze

Mossi Incised Currency Bracelet
Mossi Incised Currency Bracelet
$980
H 7.25 in W 3.5 in D 4.25 in
Early 18th Century Italian Carved and Dovetailed Walnut Alms Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 18th century Italian carved and dovetailed walnut alms box, circa 1725 Large dovetails and old handwrought nails give this small scale box a hea...
Category

Italian Baroque Antique 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

African Currency, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This set of 3 pieces of African currency is very interesting. Looking like some sort of ancient maraca, these 19th century pieces jingle and noise-make with each step. The dimensions...
Category

African Antique 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Metal

African Currency, 19th Century
African Currency, 19th Century
$3,560 / set
H 22 in W 13 in D 4 in
Senufo Crocodile Headdress, Africa
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Large openwork crest mounted upon a woven basketry cap. The large, square decorative panel bears a central reptilian or stylized crocodile depiction with alternating squared painted ...
Category

Ivorian Primitive 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Senufo Crocodile Headdress, Africa
Senufo Crocodile Headdress, Africa
$4,500
H 32.5 in W 25.5 in D 10 in
Antler Candlestick Holder with Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Decorative piece for on a dining table. Made of red deer antlers.
Category

20th Century Primitives

Materials

Antler

Antler Candlestick Holder with Bowl
Antler Candlestick Holder with Bowl
$920 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 19.69 in
Hand Carved Wooden Smoker Gnome Figure, Vintage German Black Forest Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden smoker figure, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1930s or older. A nice addition to any room. Beau...
Category

German Folk Art Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' Sculpture 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' sculpture 1950s This is a wonderful piece of modernist African art. It is a so called 'Makonde' sculpture. These unique pieces are crafted by t...
Category

Tanzanian Brutalist 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood, Ebony

Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' Sculpture 1950s
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' Sculpture 1950s
$1,250
H 26.78 in W 6.3 in D 6.7 in
Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is a charming, very rustic hooded rocking cradle with an interesting and unusual “bird house” with a circular opening, built into the shallow hood,...
Category

Irish Rustic Antique 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Oak, Pine

Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle
Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle
$395
H 31 in W 37 in D 17 in
Antique Germany Chip Hand Carved Wall Cupboard Cabinet Tramp Folk Art 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A petite German late 19th century Tramp Folk Art Wall Cupboard Cabinet. This petite Folk Art piece, circa 1880 comes from Germany and features a finely carved work with distressed Mirrors. It is a great example of the Tramp Art style, an art movement popular between the 1870s and the 1940s all around the world, particularly in Germany. It is characterized by the use of small pieces of wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to create utilitarian items such as boxes and picture frames. Artists use simple tools such as pocket knives...
Category

German Folk Art Antique 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Germany Chip Hand Carved Wall Cupboard Cabinet Tramp Folk Art 1880s
Antique Germany Chip Hand Carved Wall Cupboard Cabinet Tramp Folk Art 1880s
$419 Sale Price
82% Off
H 20.13 in W 17 in D 5.25 in
Ebony Wood Hand Carved African Elephant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved wood ebony African elephant. Mid-20th Century Hand-Carved African Elephant Sculpture in Solid Ebony Wood Hand-carved African elephant sculpture, crafted from dense solid ebony wood, renowned for its rich, deep hue and natural sheen. This mid-20th-century piece captures the power and majesty of the African elephant. Handcrafted carved wooden elephant, likely an African Elephant due to the large ears. It appears to be made from a dark wood, possibly ebony, which is a popular material for such carvings. Ebony is a dense and valuable wood, making these carvings desirable for collectors. Hand-carved by a skilled artisan, likely of East or Central African origin, the sculpture showcases traditional carving techniques passed down through generations. Its smooth polish and heavy weight reflect the high quality of the ebony used—a wood celebrated not only for its beauty but also for its durability and rarity. This piece serves as both a decorative object and a cultural artifact, ideal for collectors of African art, lovers of wildlife sculptures, or those seeking a unique focal point for an interior space. Dimensions: Height: 10 in. Width: 9.5 in. Depth: 3.25 in. (Insert exact dimensions) Origin: Africa (likely Kenya, Tanzania, or Congo region) Circa: 1950s–1970s In Chinese culture, the elephant symbolizes good luck, prosperity, peace, and happiness. Placing an elephant figurine in the home or office is believed to attract good fortune and ward off evil. Elephant statues are also associated with wisdom, family unity, and personal strength. A feng shui elephant is a powerful symbol that can invite auspicious energy into your home. The elephant is a venerated animal in Asian cultures because of their intelligence, physical prowess, and memory. They symbolize wisdom, strength, and good luck. The elephant's trunk is where luck and energy are kept. It is a symbol of wisdom and understanding that can assist you in quickly overcoming a range of difficulties. The downward trunk elephant is believed to maintain balance at work and keep good energy levels up at home. Symbolism: * Wisdom and Strength: In Asian cultures, elephants are venerated for their intelligence, physical prowess, and memory, symbolizing wisdom, strength, and good luck. * Good Fortune and Prosperity: In Chinese culture, the elephant symbolizes good luck, prosperity, peace, and happiness. Placing an elephant figurine in the home or office is believed to attract good fortune. * Protection and Harmony: Elephant statues are associated with wisdom, family unity, and personal strength. In Feng Shui, a powerful symbol inviting auspicious energy, elephants protect against negative forces and bring blessings. * Trunk Position: The elephant's trunk is believed to hold luck and energy. A downward-facing trunk, like this piece, is thought to maintain balance at work and foster good energy levels at home.Home Decor: This piece would make a striking and meaningful addition to any space, adding both aesthetic appeal and positive energy. * Collection: Ebony wood carvings...
Category

Kenyan Folk Art Vintage 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Ebony

Ebony Wood Hand Carved African Elephant
Ebony Wood Hand Carved African Elephant
$450
H 10 in W 9.5 in D 3.25 in
Previously Available Items
Handcrafted Sculptural Brutalist Freeform Teak Bowl with Capiz Pearl Shell
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptionally crafted and large sculptural brutalist freeform teak wood centerpiece bowl. Hand carved from a unique piece of wood this organic capiz bowl is crafted of natural whitewashed teakwood and lined with lustrous authentic capiz shells. Gorgeous turned burl bowl...
Category

Asian Tribal 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Teak

Hand Hewn African Ethiopian Large Wooden Bowl with Handle
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand hewn and hand carved African Ethiopian wooden bowl with handle. Original large vintage Ethiopian tribal wood bowl hand carved bowl from a ...
Category

Ethiopian Folk Art 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Hardwood

Massive Exceptionally Crafted Sculptural Brutalist Freeform Burl
By J. B. Blunk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptionally crafted and large sculptural Brutalist freeform burl wood centerpiece bowl. Hand carved from a unique piece of cherry burl wood. A burl occurs naturally through tree growth where the grain has grown in a deformed manner, usually due to insect infestations. Gorgeous turned burl bowl...
Category

American Brutalist 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Hardwood

Hand Carved Snow Shovel
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand carved snow shovel, vintage item.   
Category

North American Primitive 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Hand Carved Snow Shovel
Hand Carved Snow Shovel
H 12 in W 26 in D 3 in
Large 1930s Folk Art Shell Encrusted Owl in Brown Black and White
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
What a great way to add a touch of whimsical decor to a room! Covered in various types of sea shells, this tall bird captures the exquisite craftsmansh...
Category

Philippine Primitive 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Shell

African Baoulé Chair, Ivory Coast, Mid-20th Century
Located in London, GB
This small chair from the ivory coast has a truly lovely presence. It is hand carved and showcases the typical design elements of a ‘Baoulé’ chair, low seat with a vertical back. Ind...
Category

Ivorian Primitive 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Antique Central Mfg Folk Art Toleware Bread Box Tin Pie Safe Cake Bake Farmhouse
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique painted toleware bread box by the Central Manufacturing Co, decorated with red tomatoes. The interior tray is removable and pierced with ventilation holes for airflow.  
Category

Folk Art 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Metal

Vintage Coastal Brown Rectangular Sea Shell Covered Box with Lid, Arthur Court
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous shell covered Folk Art box with lid. Covered in brown, black and cream conical shaped shells, it is a striking statement piece. The box which the shells cover, is created ...
Category

American Folk Art 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Shell, Wood

Antique 19th Century Primitive Hewn Pine Farmhouse Trencher Dough Bowl
Located in Dayton, OH
Primitive hand hewn pine dough bowl or trencher.  
Category

Rustic 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Pine

Massive Fruitwood Trog or Dough Bowl on Oak Stand
Located in Baltimore, MD
Used for kneading dough for multi-family baking or perhaps for washing the baby, this huge fruitwood trog was hand carved from a single split log. It stands nice and straight with it...
Category

Hungarian Rustic 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Fruitwood

Large Fruitwood Trog or Dough Bowl on Oak Stand
Located in Baltimore, MD
Used for kneading dough for multi-family baking or perhaps for washing the baby, this large fruitwood trog was hand-hewn from a single split log. It has developed a slight twist over...
Category

Hungarian Rustic 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

Large Fruitwood Trog or Dough Bowl on Oak Stand
Located in Baltimore, MD
Used for kneading dough for multi-family baking or perhaps for washing the baby, this huge fruitwood trog was hand-hewn from a single split log. It has developed something of a twist...
Category

Hungarian Primitive 20th Century Primitives

Materials

Oak, Pine

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