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Primitive Folk Art

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Style: Primitive
Primitive Rolling Pin from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully patinated and well scaled hand-turned oak rolling pin.
Category

19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Oak

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

Japanese Folk Tools Wooden Objet / Display Stand / Wabi-Sabi Primitive
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
It is believed that this was used as an old Japanese folk tool. Cedar is used. The beautiful wood grain and rounded exterior can be decorated in the space as an object. In additio...
Category

20th Century Japanese Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Cedar

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

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

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

Early 19th Century Primitive American Demilune Large Sized Console Table
Located in Savannah, GA
Early 19th century American primitive demilune console table featuring center drawer with brass knob, straight plain foot legs and original finish. ...
Category

1830s American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

African Dogon Hare Rabbit Mounted Carving
Located in Malibu, CA
African hand carved rabbit mounted on metal stand ready to display. Carving 16"H X 4"D X 4.5"W
Category

Early 20th Century African Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Scrap Wood, Wood

Mother Mary Madonna Wood Carved Polychrome Santo Santos, 18th-19th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful hand-carved wood Santo of the Madonna, Mary mother of Christ. The piece clearly shows signs of weathering, use, and age and was likely placed outside a church or shri...
Category

19th Century Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

Mumuye Figure African Sculpture
Located in Sharon, CT
Atypical form with a rich high patina. Professional mounted. Provenance: Weinberg Modern.
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian 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

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

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

Japanese Folk Tools Wooden Objet / Display Stand / Wabi-Sabi Primitive
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
It is believed that this was used as an old Japanese folk tool. Cedar is used. The beautiful wood grain and rounded exterior can be decorated in the space as an object. In additio...
Category

20th Century Japanese Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Cedar

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

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

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

Antique Corner Cupboard top Circa 1830's Farmhouse
Located in Newfoundland, PA
This is an absolutely stunning early 1800's corner cupboard top, someone many years ago separated this from the base. I purchased it more than 20 years ago for my 18th century farmho...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Softwood

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

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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

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 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

Solid Tropical Wood Abstract Bench
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Bench made in Exotic Tropical wood. Made in Mexico, the bench pieces are completely removable.
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

Five Horn Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Five horn sculptures, African Watusi (Bos taurus) horns mounted on turned ebonized stands. Measure: Height range between 20.5 inches to 27 inches and base diameters are 7.5 inches. E...
Category

2010s Belgian Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Horn

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

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

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

Pine Primitive Grain Box Firewood Bin Rustic Green Farmhouse 1920s
Located in Newfoundland, PA
1920s Green wooden box, frequently used for firewood in farm houses. It can be used for many things like recycling box, we used it for many many years as a decorating piece in my 18 ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Softwood

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

Petite 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 using machete. Ready to use as stool or side table.
Category

2010s Mexican Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Wood

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Group of Mounted Natural Sea Stone Specimens from Denmark
Located in New York, NY
A delightful grouping of natural sea stone specimens of flint and chalk from the shores of Denmark. Each stone is unique with the result of years of ero...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Danish Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Stone, Metal

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

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

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

19th Century Italian Cast Iron Coal Powered Iron
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Classic icon from the last century. Once used in every household, now its cherished for its simplicity and beauty. Cast in it's lid is the ancient symbol of Rome, She wolf with her b...
Category

1870s Italian Antique Primitive Folk Art

Materials

Iron

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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