Primitive Folk Art
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Style: Primitive
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
Small Brown Carved Wood Collapsible Book or Bible Stand
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A great way to display one of your favorite books! This carved wood book holder is hand carved in a stylized floral pattern. When unfolded, it used to...
Category
20th Century Indonesian Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wood
$60 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
$1,200 Sale Price
25% Off
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
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
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
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
$3,900 Sale Price
43% Off
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
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
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
Decorative hand-woven bag/box from Panama, Sac-Bolso by Ethic&Tropic
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
Dayak Shaman Mask
Located in London, GB
A rare Iban Dayak shaman ritual mask, early to mid 20th century, Kalimantan/Borneo, Indonesia. Hand carved from local jelutong wood with existing decorative lime and charcoal/pigments.
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wood
$1,761
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
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
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
Zabihi Collection Abstract American Hooked Scatter Square Rug
Located in New York, NY
A compelling Mid-20th Century American hooked rug.
Measures: 2'11" x 3'2''.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wool, Jute
1850s Corner Cupboard Rustic Farm House Pine Cabinet
Located in Newfoundland, PA
This is a spectacular primitive corner cupboard. Layers and layers of paint on this piece. Four shelves on top and two on the bottom. Wonderful coloring on this! You don't find these...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Nok Terracotta Standing Dignitary Figure, TL Tested, Nigeria Africa 500-100 BC
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Nok Terracotta Standing Dignitary Figure in Royal Pose. I-II Century AD. Certificate of Authenticity with TL Test and Passport from Europe. Museum Piece...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Nigerian Antique Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Folk Art Rustic Primitive Pine Storage Bench or Table by Gordon circa 1920's
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Delightful handmade folk art workmen's bench/table/storage box.
Signed "Gordon". Old faded paint with lots of aged character and patina.
3 feet long X 19" tall. Makes a perfect bench...
Category
1920s American Vintage Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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
Carved African Mali Antelope Headdress
Located in Houston, TX
Carved abstract mythological abstract antelope anteater headdress mounted on wood stand. These motifs symbolize excellence in farming and bountiful harvests...
Category
20th Century Malian Primitive Folk Art
Materials
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
Hand Made Wooden Mallet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique in shape with a square head, a hand carved and crafted mallet works wonderfully well for those house hold chores, from tapping in a dowel, to working chicken for the perfect chicken Paillard. Also a great decorative piece or paperweight at the kitchen work station.
Category
20th Century English Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Primitive Farmhouse Bench with original paint 1930s
Located in Newfoundland, PA
1930's Original Barn Bench with original paint that has not been touched in many years. Please look at the photos, it has an unusual cut out ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Primitive Folk Art
Materials
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
$1,000 Sale Price
44% Off
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
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
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
$950 Sale Price
24% Off
A Table Mirror in Pine by a Swedish Cabinetmaker, Folk Art, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
This charming hexagon shaped table mirror in pine is a stunning example of Swedish Folk Art from the early 1900s. The mirror is crafted in solid...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Decorative Hand-Woven Mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic
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
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
$750 Sale Price
25% Off
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
$4,704 Sale Price
20% Off
Unique African Style Carved Wood Wooden Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful one of a kind African carved wooden sculpture of a woman carrying a basket and a hat. Featured in a rich warmly stained wood, this stunning hand carved sculpture will surel...
Category
20th Century Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Carved Aftican Wood Sculpture from Togo
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, carved wood sculpture representing the human figure from Togo, Africa.
A large, dramatic piece for a tribal art collection and creating a rare, unique and special presence.
Category
19th Century Togolese Antique 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
$750 Sale Price
25% Off
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
Spectacular 1920s Geometric American Folk Art Hook Rug
Located in Newfoundland, PA
This is a spectacular 1920s, geometric vintage American Folk Art hook rug. It has a very unique pattern and color scheme. A great piece of Americana....
Category
Early 20th Century American Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wool
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
Milliners Hat Mold, Early 20th Century, USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful handcrafted milliners hat block made in the USA, early 20th century. Has been well used and as a result shows a perfectly aged, primitive patina. Gorgeous piece of milliner...
Category
Early 20th Century Central American Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Dairy Products Trade Sign Geo Fitchett 1940s
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Wonderful 1940s Geo Fitchett Dairy Products Trade sign, this wooden trade sign is in wonderful original condition. It has hooks on the top for hanging, it is double sided as you can ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Iron Mesh Container
Located in New York, NY
Antique Folk Art from Flores. Handwoven iron mesh container with an hour glass shape.
Measures: 10- 22" DIA x 34" high.
Andrianna Shamaris, Inc. The Leader ...
Category
1920s Vintage Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Metal, 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
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
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
$2,235
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
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic
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
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
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
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
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
19th century Primitive Painted Early American Floor Lamp
Located in Savannah, GA
Rare painted iron standing floor lamp made to burn oil but converted to electricity. Nice lines and detail with upturned feet, scroll work and finial at top. See measurements below.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
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
Dance Head Ornament Representing an Antelope Head, Burkina Faso, Africa
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A beautiful stylized antelope head used as headdress on ceremonial dances. Retains the old painting and patina over the carved wood. Traded by a professor working in Africa in the 19...
Category
Mid-20th Century Burkinabe Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Petite African Redware Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite hand-formed vessel bears a richly textured surface of worn red clay slip and dark smoke marks. Likely intended for everyday use, the simple bottle-form vessel reflects th...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Malian Antique Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
19th Century French Stone Carver's Hammer and Chisels on Custom Stand
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare set of 19th century French stone carver's wooden mallet and six iron chisels, mounted on a custom steel stand. Found in Roen, Nor...
Category
19th Century French Antique Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Burro by Ethic&Tropic
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
African Bura Stone Funerary Marker
Located in Chicago, IL
This abstract stone sculpture is a funerary marker of the Bura people of the Niger/Mali region. Little is known about the Bura civilization (c. 200 to 1000 AD), but it shares many of...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Nigerien Antique Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Stone
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
Primitive figure of a boy holding dog
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Figure of a Boy holding a dog. Figure looks like it was outside for a long time and elements wore away some of the paint and cement. Has a great look and feel! Was constructed wit...
Category
1940s American Vintage Primitive Folk Art
Materials
Cement
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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