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Primitive Folk Art

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Style: Primitive
1900s-30s Large Japanese Antique hardwood wooden trough, Wabi sabi mingei decor
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Large Antique Japanese hand-curbed wooden trough, hand-crafted circa 1900s - 1930s estimated from the material, style & conditions. Hollowed out from the single solid wood of Key...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Antique Japanese Zushi, wabi sabi miniature shrine w/ Ebisu figurine mingei
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique wooden Zushi (miniature shrine, the "house of the Gods") with mini wooden figurine of Ebisu - from Tohoku area., Japan. Manufactured circa 1860s - 1900s (late Edo to Meiji pe...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Kota Reliquary Figure Gabon, Christies Provenance
Located in Sharon, CT
Kota Reliquary of classic form. Brass and iron over wood. On an old base, with an old number label. Ex Estate of Willliam Kohler, Christies NY 'Important Tribal Art' Nov 20 1997.
Category

1890s Gabonese Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron

Stool Made in Solid Wood
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this primitive petite stool made in solid wood. Made in Mexico hand carved. Ready to use as stool or side table.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

1960's Solid Wood Hand Carved Primitive Totem Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully hand crafted solid wood totemic sculpture with detailed features highlighting its authentic presence. This unique piece meshes style and art into a eye catching and taste...
Category

Mid-20th Century Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Solid Primitive Mesquite Stool
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this stool made in Mesquite hardwood, Circa 1930. Made in Mexico hand carved using machete and chisel. Fully restored. Clear markings showing age and heavy use, ready to use...
Category

1930s Mexican Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Solid Primitive Mesquite Stool
Solid Primitive Mesquite Stool
$750 Sale Price
25% Off
Large Round Michoacano Planters with Handles on Both Sides; a pair
Located in Malibu, CA
Talavera Michoacana planter pots in bright primary & secondary colors are handmade and vibrantly hand-painted Mexican ceramic pottery. These pots are typically glazed and fired a...
Category

20th Century Mexican Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Songye Nkisi Power Figure
Located in London, GB
A rare and large hand carved horned Songye Nkisi power figure. A ‘Nkisi’ is a protective power figure of the Songye, southeastern Congo. Such sculptures are used as a major role in t...
Category

20th Century Congolese Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Wrought-Iron Dragon Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning and rare 18th century French hand-wrought iron weathervane, from Normandy, with a stylized dragon "flag" the moves according the wind, and with four wrought-iron flowers t...
Category

18th Century French Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Circular Antique Butcher Block
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Crafted by hand with great surface. markings showing age and heavy use, recently clened an restored and ready to use.
Category

1940s Mexican Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Circular Antique Butcher Block
Circular Antique Butcher Block
$750 Sale Price
25% Off
Decorative hand-woven bag/box from Panama, Sac-Bolso by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven bag from Panama, Sac-Bolso by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Cane

Vintage Folk Art Doll / Coffee Cans with Articulating Arms
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Folk Art doll with tin drum body (coffee cans) and articulating arms, circa 1950s. The piece is handmade with a doll head and arms and a...
Category

Early 20th Century American Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Tin

19th Century Trade Sign Clothing Wood Double Sided Wooden Hudson Valley NY
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Take a look at this fantastic double sided early 19th or late 18th century wooden trade sign with original wrought Iron bracket. Came out of a Hudso...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Iron

African Dagari Ancestor Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
For the Dagari people of Burkina Faso and Ghana, this highly stylized figure embodied the living spirit of a deceased ancestor. Tucked away from view in a secret alcove or shrine, th...
Category

Early 20th Century Ghanaian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Wabi Sabi Primitive 1940s Folk Art Brass Tack Stool
Located in Round Top, TX
Charming original handmade early 20th C. stool with faux leather upholstery that has the most perfect wear and patina. The weight is impressive, considering the size, a testament to ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Textile, Wood

Primitive Windsor Chair in Original Paint
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
Primitive Windsor Chair in Original Paint, dating from the early 19th century. This chair is Sycamore and was made in the West of England, Devon or Cornwall and is very rare in reta...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Sycamore

The Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Radiant Symbol of Faith, Guardian of Sacred
Located in Ixelles, BE
The Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Radiant Symbol of Faith, Guardian of Sacred Mysteries. Artistic and Historical Description This Ethiopian procession cross, of rare beauty, embodies a long tradition of Christian religious art...
Category

19th Century Ethiopian Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Vintage Folk Art Doll / Oil Can with Articulating Arms
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Folk Art doll with tin drum body (oil can) and articulating arms, circa 1950s. The piece is handmade with a doll head and arms and a tin...
Category

Early 20th Century American Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Tin

Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship
Located in Ixelles, BE
Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship. Structure and Composition: This finely crafted Ethiopian procession cross is rich in iconographic detail. Constructed from metal, likely bronze or brass, it features a complex structure with several decorative elements. - Central Part: • Madonna and Child: At the heart of the cross is a depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. This central image is framed within a circle adorned with openwork motifs and small inlays that appear to be precious stones or colored glass pieces. Arms of the Cross: • Angelic Musicians: Each lateral arm of the cross features an angelic musician, playing instruments and depicted in a flying position. The angels are finely detailed, with spread wings and carefully sculpted garments. • Cherub: At the apex of the cross, a cherub is depicted, a celestial being with multiple wings and surrounded by cloud-like motifs. • Bird Motifs: The lower extremities of the cross are adorned with bird motifs, likely doves, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit, placed within openwork circles. Base and Handle: • Engraved Base: The base of the cross, which serves as a handle, is also richly engraved with floral and geometric motifs, providing a sturdy and decorative grip for processions. History of Ethiopian Procession Crosses Origins and Evolution: Ethiopian procession crosses have a long history, dating back to the introduction of Christianity to Ethiopia in the 4th century under King Ezana. Influenced by Coptic and Byzantine traditions, these crosses evolved to adopt a distinctive style unique to Ethiopia. - Characteristics: • Style and Iconography: Ethiopian crosses...
Category

19th Century Ethiopian Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Decorative Hand-Woven Mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Cane

1850s Cherry Corner Cupboard Farm House Rustic Cabinet
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Another wonderful early corner cupboard. 4 shelves on top and 2 on the bottom. Stunning Patina on this cupboard. 1 small repair. Another true antique piece that came out of my histor...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Cherry

Farmer Made Wooden Hand Painted Swiss Wall Plate with Edelweiss and Flower Motif
Located in Rümmingen, BW
This wooden hand-painted Swiss wall plate, especially one likely made by a farmer, is a charming piece of folk art that reflects the rural traditions and everyday life of Switzerland...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Painted Primitive Covered & Finger Staved Sugar Pail, Bucket or Firkin
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This folk art finger staved covered sugar bucket or firkin shows no indication of a specific maker, or country of origin. We presume this covered bucket...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Very Important “Nwantantay” African Dance Mask
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Very important “Nwantamtay” dance African mask, consisting of three sections: The upper in plain rectangular shape surmounted by a crescent shape moon, the middle with beautiful geometric triangles in black bitumen and white kaolin, surrounding a red cruciform in the centre of remarkable contrasting colors, and the lower part or face inscribed in a circular space that inspired numbered great artists like Joan Miro, Picasso and Henry Moore of a very strongly solar symbolism, with a projecting protuberance emanating from the forehead like a sculpted bird beak, that descents toward the mouth. Concentric eyes harmonize with the circular mouth, both with of elegant proportions. The whole mask exudes a supreme harmony and perfect balance rarely seen in this pieces. The back-side presents nice ware that attested the ancient origin and traces of animistic ceremonies as the use of animal blood residues. The painting of brown bitumen or cola, the natural colorants in red and ocher tones and the white kaolin are original and do not show any repainted or restored areas, giving a freshness rarely seen in old pieces. This exceptional mask Bwa, of the Hound`e Region in Burkina-Fasso, was used it the transit ceremonies and funerals manifesting the presence of “Do”, name given to their God sons, protectors and powerful spirits. The round face also represents an owl, the curving beak of the bird plants a seed into the sun, like a female sexual vulva being fecundated by the male organ; the eternal symbol of Ying and Yang, masculine and feminine, and the quest of life and death. This mask of Primitive facture can be compared to the one in the celebrated Verite Collection (this one being larger) sold in Paris at the Hotel Drouot, Saturday June 17, Lot 59, for 80,000 Euros and remarkably stands out from the Pierre and Tannia Matisse sold in Sotheby’s, New York in May 13, 2011. Another similar piece was published in: “Arman et l’art africain...
Category

Early 20th Century Burkinabe Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

19th Century Hand Carved Wood Large Scale Indian Figurene
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very unique figure of man with worn details and faded polychrome. Signs of heavy deterioration over the years. A curiosity/collectors piece. Please see detailed photos for c...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Rustic Jersey Coffee Bin
Located in Denton, TX
Primitive general store floor bin for the storage of 100lbs. of coffee. Solid planks of pine with painted design of Jersey Coffee. This would make a great trash can or storage of any...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Petite Stool Made in Solid Wood
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this primitive petite stool made in solid wood. Made in Mexico totally handmade. Ready to use as stool or side table.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Large Primitive Bleached Walnut and Flint Grain Thresher
Located in Houston, TX
Large Primitive bleached walnut and flint grain thresher dating to the 19th century. Hand carved walnut embedded with sharpened flint stones. Originally...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Stone, Iron

Oceanian Bamboo Mask with Long Hair from New Guinea
Located in Pasadena, CA
Ceremonial mask from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, associated with the dance traditions of the Eastern Highlands. Crafted from wood, cowrie shells, clay, pigment, and p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Shell, Natural Fiber, Wood

1830s Primitive Farmhouse Corner Cupboard Pine Cabinet
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Wonderful Primitive Pine PA corner cupboard. 12 panels of early wavy glass. The bottom has two-shelf storage. Stunning piece for your farmhouse decor. True antique Primitive pieces t...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Ethiopian Carved Wooden Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
So as not to muss their intricate hairstyles while sleeping, Ethiopian women would traditionally rest their heads on these petite wooden stands. The combination of conic base and con...
Category

Early 20th Century Ethiopian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Cane

Early Americana Painted Wood Monogrammed Trunk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Primitive trunk / chest composed of a hinged wood plank top and painted wooden frame with brass and steel embellishments (brass nailheads with hand-hammered steel handles / hinges / ...
Category

18th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Steel

Chinese Courtyard Grain Container, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic wooden container dates to the early 20th century and was once used to store dry goods or household items in a provincial home in Yunnan province. Hollowed from a single t...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Primitive Spool Shelf
Located in Round Top, TX
A Primitive Folk Art Spool Shelf. Fantastic patina and surface throughout. A very collectible rustic piece that immediately adds character and charm. This would be perfect for short ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Abstract primitive head Fragment of a Dogon Sculpture."
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A beautifully patined Dogon fragment of a head sculpture. Because of its natural wear perhaps even being more abstract and natural. As African art inspired the European modernist mov...
Category

Early 20th Century Malian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

1950s American Hand-Painted Carnival Ride Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
1950s American hand-painted carnival ride panel.
Category

1950s North American Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Tom Cramer Primitive American Folk Art Carved Figural Totem Sculpture 1994
By Tom Cramer
Located in Miami, FL
Tom Cramer Primitive American Folk Art Carved Figural Totem Sculpture 1994 Offered for sale is a recent acquisition from a New York estate. Thi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Philippines Igorot Carved Wood Head Hunters Shield
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a Kalinga shield that is used by warriors who are headhunters from the Northern mountainous region of the Philippines. Art meets utility in this shield which has three prongs...
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Fruitwood

African Stool from Cameroon Bamoun or Bamileke
Located in PARIS, FR
African stool with caryatid from Cameroon, Bamoun or Bamileke, probably around 1920, carved wood and dark patina, oval seat decorated with geometric notches, support in the shape of ...
Category

Early 20th Century Cameroonian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Cane

Antique American General Store Revolving Red Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique American general store revolving bolt and nut cabinet. Original paint.
Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Tin

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Cane

Dayak Iban Shield
Located in London, GB
A rare hand carved Dayak tribal shield from Kalimantan/Borneo, Indonesia. These shields were made by the Dayak Iban tribes for real fighting use and ceremonial rites. Wonderfully car...
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Nautical Ship Bench
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This is a very unique item, It was a bench used on the rear of an old ship. There are handles made of iron that were used to move it on an off the ship when it wasn't needed. The ori...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Nautical Ship Bench
Antique Nautical Ship Bench
$3,900 Sale Price
43% Off
19th Century Large Sculptural French Solid Wood Wine Press / Pedestal
Located in Odense, DK
A robust and beautifully crafted French wine press, 19th century, made from solid wood. Originally used in vineyards for pressing grapes, this authentic piece of rural craftsmanship ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Rare Baule Mouse Oracle Box (Gnamien Kpan) Ivory Coast, Mid-20th Century Carving
Located in Wembley, GB
Rare Baule Mouse Oracle Box (Gnamien Kpan), Ivory Coast, Mid-20th Century – Carved Wooden Ritual Vessel with Female Guardian Figure A striking and rare example of Baule ritual art fr...
Category

1920s Ivorian Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Pearwood, Zebra Wood, Softwood

Portrait of a Lady
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
Primitive Folk Art Painting of a Lady. The painting is quite interesting, as there appears to be a substantial country house that appears to be burning down in the background. Whet...
Category

1850s English Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Art Deco Period, African Ritual Tribal Oxidized Bronze ‘Brow Mask’, 1920s
Located in New York, NY
This superb example of the ritual African ‘Brow Mask’ is a unique creation of a truly skillful artist from the Jimini tribe of the Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) during the Art Deco per...
Category

1920s African Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

A Colima Shark Effigy Vessel
Located in Stamford, CT
A Colima shark effigy vessel. Mexico. 1st Century BC - 2nd Century AD. On stand : 7.5" h
Category

15th Century and Earlier Mexican Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Clay

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Burro by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Cane

Rockefeller Irivake Figure
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Abstract and anthropomorphic large figure from the Pie River, located to the east of the Era River. Abstract, anthropomorphic form stands on separate legs with dynamic varying outline, wide hips, and torso leading straight to a rounded head. Figure represents Irivake, the ancestor hero who is considered as the founder of headhunting, also believed to have climbed to the sky and to command lightning. It is enlivened with various curvilinear details highlighted with red and white pigments. The back appears with a collection number in red, and the following: Ipigau (village), Upper Pie River, Papua, P63.20. This is a 'later example', not a first generation piece with several age cracks. It has likely seen field use, but not extensive field use. Provenance: Private New Jersey Collection, ex. Michael Rockefeller...
Category

Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Rare Baule Mouse Oracle Box (Gnamien Kpan) Ivory Coast, Mid-20th Century Carving
Located in Wembley, GB
Rare Baule Mouse Oracle Box (Gnamien Kpan), Ivory Coast, Mid-20th Century – Carved Wooden Ritual Vessel with Female Guardian Figure A striking and rare example of Baule ritual art fr...
Category

1920s Ivorian Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Pearwood, Zebra Wood, Softwood

Folk Art Primitive Tool Caddy Display Box
Located in Round Top, TX
Handmade wooden tool caddy featuring distinctive stepped ziggurat details that give it sculptural presence and architectural charm. Originally conceived as a functional carrier, its ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Japanese Antique wood slab display stand wabi sabi decor art piece Dai
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese Antique wooden display stand, "Dai" in Japanese, made from thick, single solid wood slab. Product of 1860s-1900s (late Edo to early Meiji era), estimate from the material an...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

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

1950s Tanzanian Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Ebony

18th Century Dutch Kaas Hudson Valley of New York
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Massive 18th century Dutch kaas made in the Hudson Valley of New York, circa 1790-1810. It is made of walnut and has four shelves and one large draw across ...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Swedish Carved Mangle Board
Located in Forney, TX
A long hand carved wooden mangle board (clothing and bedding press) with beautiful patina. Handmade in Sweden, circa 1744, this Scandinavian antique with...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Battleship Weathervane Weathered Paint American Primitive Steel Metal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Battleship Weathervane Weathered Paint American Primitive Steel Metal. Circa ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Steel

20th Century Naga People's Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-century chair, hand-carved from a single piece of wood by the Naga people of India, is a remarkable blend of primitive charm and modern spirit. The Naga people, known for t...
Category

20th Century Indian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Primitive folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Primitive folk art 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 folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Primitive folk art made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Africa pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Ethic&Tropic, Andrianna Shamaris, Tom Cramer, and Nupe. 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 folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $156,000 while the average work can sell for $1,298.

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