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Mid-20th Century Primitives

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Period: Mid-20th Century
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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Spruce

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 Mid-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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Ebony

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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Pine

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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Metal

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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

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 Mid-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 Mid-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

Mid-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
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 Mid-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 Mid-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
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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

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 Mid-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
Burmese Tribal Markers Wooden Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Two Burmese chin state tribal markers. Tribal Territory markers collected within the chin state Burma (Myanmar). Each piece is primitively carved with a face and a collection of item...
Category

Burmese Antique Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Hardwood

Burmese Tribal Markers Wooden Sculpture
Burmese Tribal Markers Wooden Sculpture
$3,600 Sale Price / set
25% Off
H 80 in W 7 in D 6 in
Ebony Wood Hand Carved African Elephant
Located in Moreno Valley, 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 Mid-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
"Ritual In Wood" Mid-Century African Wood Bust
Located in Pasadena, CA
This wooden sculpture embodies hyper-verticality, a hallmark of many African sculptural traditions. Its elongated form eschews anatomical realism, instead striving to evoke a presenc...
Category

Mozambican Primitive Vintage Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Walnut

"Ritual In Wood" Mid-Century African Wood Bust
"Ritual In Wood" Mid-Century African Wood Bust
$1,250
H 27.5 in W 6.25 in D 6.75 in
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 Mid-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
Swedish Folk Art Hand-Carved and Painted Wooden Birds on Tree Branch
Located in Kastrup, DK
Hand-carved and hand-painted wooden birds on a tree branch. The upper bird features a detailed feather structure with decorative white and blue markings on its tail, while the lower...
Category

Swedish Folk Art Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Hand Hewn African Ethiopian Large Wooden Bowl with Handle
Located in Moreno Valley, 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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Hardwood

Massive Exceptionally Crafted Sculptural Brutalist Freeform Burl
By J. B. Blunk
Located in Moreno Valley, 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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Hardwood

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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Vintage African Carved Wood Tanzanian Ceremonial Chief's Throne Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A striking African ceremonial or chief’s throne chair carved in one piece from a single tree trunk having artful head at the top, female breasts, beautif...
Category

Tanzanian Primitive Vintage Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

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 Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Cast Iron Cow Door Stop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This original painted cast iron cow door stop is in in good condition. It is unsigned but looks like a Hubley.
Category

American Country Vintage Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

Primitive Stool from Mexico
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Primitive style one piece stool from Atotonilco, Guanajuato, Mexico, circa 1950s.
Category

Mexican Primitive Vintage Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Hardwood

Primitive Stool from Mexico
Primitive Stool from Mexico
H 14.5 in W 19 in D 14.5 in
Pair of Papua New Guinea Tribal Medicine Bags from Mid-20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Papua New Guinea medicine bags from the mid-20th century on custom stands. This pair of woven medicine bags from East Highlands Papua New Guinea are adorn with a collection of bones (some intricately carved) and beads, and have been presented upon custom black iron stands. This pair of East Highlands tribal medicine bags...
Category

Papua New Guinean Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

Single Papua New Guinea Medicine Bag from Mid-20th Century Displayed on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single Papua New Guinea medicine bag from the mid-20th century on custom stand. This woven medicine bag from East Highlands Papua New Guinea features a ...
Category

Oceanic Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Iron

Decorative Folk Art Owl
Located in Pasadena, CA
This midcentury metal owl has been painted in a Folk Art style. Over the years he has acquired lots of character.
Category

American Brutalist Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Cut Steel

Decorative Folk Art Owl
Decorative Folk Art Owl
H 15 in W 5 in D 3 in
Large Antique Folk Art Pine Cone Plant Stand
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large, rustic and unique planter was made in approximately the 1950s in the Folk Art style and probably has its origins from the Eastern region of the United States. This plant stand is constructed from large pine cones secured into a grape vine frame. The large pine cones are set in stacked rows with the tops facing inwards, giving the exterior a smooth appearance. Please note the posted dimensions as this is a substantial example of a unique folk art constructed home decor accent...
Category

American Folk Art Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Pine

Vintage Royal Copenhagen Hand Painted Porcelain Salt Jars
By Beth Breyen, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Royal Copenhagen hand painted porcelain salt jars Designed by Beth Breyen Wooden lid in teak Beautiful design of a fenix bird.
Category

Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-20th Century Primitives

Materials

Porcelain, Teak

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