Scrimshaw Walking Stick
Early 20th Century American Antiquities
Hardwood, Horn
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Nautical Objects
People Also Browsed
Antique Early 19th Century German Folk Art Paintings
Glass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Urns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood, Linen, Fiberglass
Vintage 1920s Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Horn
Antique 1890s French Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Silver
Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Russian Sterling Silver
Silver
Vintage 1920s Chinese Trunks and Luggage
Wood
20th Century American Modern Books
Paper
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
Other
Antique Late 19th Century Native American Native American Objects
Clay
Early 20th Century Historical Memorabilia
Gold Plate
1990s American Books
Paper
Antique Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Metal
Vintage 1920s American Modern Paintings
Paint
Finding the Right Folk Art for You
Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.
American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of folk art on 1stDibs.
- What is a Malacca walking stick?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Malacca walking stick is a long stick made out of palm trees native to Asia. People use the sticks to help them maintain their balance when walking, particularly over uneven terrain. In some cases, artisans use the sticks as umbrella poles. On 1stDibs, find a range of Malacca walking sticks.
- Do walking sticks really help?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, walking sticks are helpful for walking. Walking sticks can help maintain posture, stability and provide support as well as take some of the impact out of your lower back and knees. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary walking sticks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Walking sticks go by many different names. Some of them include: cane, handstaff, stave, shillelagh, crutch, alpenstock and staff. Walking sticks come in many different varieties from different staff material to unique and interesting heads, making them a desirable collectible. Find a collection of vintage and modern walking sticks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021There is not one consistent height for walking sticks but is instead dependent on your height and what you plan to use it for. Standing with your arms by your side, the walking stick should be 6 to 8 inches above your elbow. For climbing up steep hills, a longer stick is important.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021To measure a walking stick, the base should be placed a little wider than a foot from the outside of the wearer's shoe. The handle should be at wrist crease height with the elbow slightly bent when standing upright.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Scottish walking sticks are also called canes. They’re typically made of wood and have a ball on one end for someone to grip.
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