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Floating and painted wood composition by Michel Lanos. Circa 1980-1990.
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired sculptures, and glazed platters bear witness
Category
20th Century French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Floating and painted wood composition by Michel Lanos. Circa 1980-1990.
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired sculptures, and glazed platters bear witness
Category
20th Century French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Modernist Abstract Sculpture by Venija Vučinić Turinski, Yugoslavia 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
symmetry with subtle asymmetries
- Totemic presence rather than figurative realism
- Primal / archaic
Category
Vintage 1970s Serbian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Large Sculpture by Erik Höglund Carved and Painted Pinewood, Sweden, 1950s
By Erik Höglund
Located in Odense, DK
an abstracted, totemic human figure, carved with deliberate tool marks that remain clearly visible
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Blue glazed ceramic abstract sculpture by Michel Lanos, 2000
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired sculptures, and glazed platters bear witness
Category
20th Century French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase-Sculpture by Michel Lanos, circa 1990-2000.
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
meditative dialogue with clay.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired sculptures, and
Category
20th Century French Beaux Arts Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase, Sculpture by Michel Lanos, circa 1990-2000.
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
tactile and meditative dialogue with clay.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired
Category
20th Century French Beaux Arts Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Black glazed stoneware sculpture-vase by Michel Lanos, Circa 1980-1990
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired sculptures, and glazed platters bear witness
Category
Vintage 1980s French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Important glazed stoneware sculpture by Michel Lanos, Circa 1990-2000
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired sculptures, and glazed platters bear witness
Category
Vintage 1980s French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Glazed stoneware sculpture by Michel Lanos, Circa 1980-1990
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired sculptures, and glazed platters bear witness
Category
Vintage 1980s French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art Sheet-Metal Rooster with Cutout Pattern and Side Door
Located in Pasadena, CA
posture, and gently arched neck—gives the piece a timeless, almost totemic quality.
Adding to its
Category
Vintage 1950s American American Craftsman Animal Sculptures
Materials
Sheet Metal
Big Ceramic Sculpture with Black and Blue Glazes Decoration by Michel Lanos
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
. His totems, CoBrA-inspired sculptures, and glazed platters bear witness to his enduring attachment to
Category
20th Century French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Black glazed stoneware sculpture by Michel Lanos, Circa 1990
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
, engages in a tactile and meditative dialogue with clay.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems
Category
Vintage 1980s French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Black glazed stoneware sculpture by Michel Lanos, Circa 1980-1990
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
tactile and meditative dialogue with clay.
Michel Lanos passed away in 2005. His totems, CoBrA-inspired
Category
Vintage 1980s French Beaux Arts Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Sculpture by Henk van Rooij, Netherlands
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
intensity merge into a highly expressive whole.
The sculpture presents a compact, almost totemic volume
Category
Early 2000s Dutch Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Chain Sculpture, Welded Industrial Heavy Duty Chain Link on a Wooden Base
By John Seubert
Located in Chicago, IL
small totemic figures recur throughout his practice, turning everyday materials into sites of ritual and
Category
2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Eagle Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
solid log, this imposing figure stands with a stoic, totem-like presence, showcasing the raw beauty of
Category
Late 20th Century American Brutalist Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vibrant Contemporary Standing Sculpture in Papier-Mâché
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
, blues, and yellows. The playful, totemic form composed of stacked organic shapes is adorned with hand
Category
Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Other
Vintage MCM Gilt Tipped Bulls - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
executive desk, these powerful totems bring a sense of movement and strength to any room. Each bull measures
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery, Giltwood
$195 / set
Sculpture Female Figure on Apple by Godfried Pieters
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
vertical and totemic, rendered in bronze with a deep brown-green patina. The body is reduced to essential
Category
1990s Dutch Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Glass Sculpture, Ananke by Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007)
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Sottsass, this stunning totem-shaped vase is crafted from blown glass and displays a striking contrast of
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Abstract black steel patinated sculpture by the designer Michel Froment, 2025
By Michel Froment
Located in NICE, FR
subtlety of its sculpted form.
Balancing between anthropomorphic figure and primitive totem, Froment
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Primitive Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Abstract black steel patinated sculpture by the designer Michel Froment, 2025
By Michel Froment
Located in NICE, FR
subtlety of its sculpted form.
Balancing between anthropomorphic figure and primitive totem, Froment
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Primitive Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Brutalist Abstract Sculptural in Grogged Stoneware by Jo Rowland – circa 1970
By Jo Rowland
Located in leucate, FR
from the 1970s. A true totem of the Brutalist era, this unique piece captivates with its complex
Category
Vintage 1970s French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Jorge Mealha (1934 -2021) Pottery, Large Bull Sculpture Portugal, late 20th C.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
totemic form. The grounded stance and calm expression suggest controlled power rather than aggression
Category
Late 20th Century Portuguese Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
ALICIA PENALBA - Fruit de Mer Sculpture
By Alicia Penalba
Located in PARIS, FR
figures and symbols nourished by myths. Notable series of works include Totems, Doubles and Liturgies
Category
Vintage 1960s French Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Locust Root and Sassafras "Ginger Root" Sculpture by Christopher Froehlich
Located in Wainscott, NY
decay—an abstracted tree or totem reaching skyward—imbued with the quiet strength of natural materials
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
ALICIA PENALBA - Sculpture Esquisse n7/ Avalanche
By Alicia Penalba
Located in PARIS, FR
figures and symbols nourished by myths. Notable series of works include Totems, Doubles and Liturgies
Category
Vintage 1980s European Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Cubist Head" After Joseph Csaky (1888 – 1971)
By Joseph Csaky
Located in Ixelles, BE
head is elongated, almost totemic, standing vertically like a monolith.
Abstraction and
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Black Oval Ceramic Sculpture With Many Small Spike Feet
By Helena Starcevic Ceramics
Located in New York, NY
A new series of small sculptures in the Modern Totemic vein. Not exactly humanistic, but they do
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Abstract Carved Pine Sculpture, 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique, Mid-Century pine totem sculpture. A beautifully carved abstract home accessory adorned with
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Lacquered wood sculpture by Robert-Jean Chapuis, Splash 1980
By Robert Jean Chapuis
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
evoke a miniature architecture or graphic totem.
As both a photographer and designer, Chapuis brings
Category
Late 20th Century French Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
"Nahum"
By Jean Touret
Located in Paris, FR
Jean Touret’s Nahum sculpture, carved in elm wood, rises like a totem that is both archaic and
Category
Vintage 1980s Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Elm
$95,015
Pair of hand-sculpted terracotta figures by ceramic artist Saverio Farci, 1960s
By Farci Saverio
Located in Brescia, Brescia
intricate handwork. Together, the pair exudes a timeless, almost totemic presence, blending Sardinian folk
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta
Primitive Modern Stone Face Carving with Marble Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
with refined presentation—evoking timeless, totemic energy suited for modern or eclectic interiors
Category
20th Century Unknown Primitive Mounted Objects
Materials
Stone, Marble
Terrazzo Concrete Sculpture - anomaly ONE by Dylan Myers
By Dylan Myers Design
Located in Elkridge, MD
Anomaly ONE is a 6-foot sculptural totem from The Concrete Anomaly series — cast in GFRC concrete
Category
2010s American Other Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Concrete
Boho Hand-Carved Wooden Owl Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
totemic presence, a nature-inspired accent, or part of a curated boho collection, this owl brings
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Primitive Boho Hand-Carved Wood Bust
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
interior. Whether you see a wise elder, an ancient totem, or a surreal figure from a dream, the face
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Busts
Materials
Wood
Metallic Silver-Gray Ceramic Sculpture, Angled Head with 2 Middle Bars on 4 Legs
By Helena Starcevic Ceramics
Located in New York, NY
observes. A Modern TOTEM, abstract with an angled head on two middle bars, balanced on 4 legs. High fired
Category
Early 2000s American Organic Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Cast in Silicon Bronze Ethereal Goddess Bronze Sculpture by Virgil Villers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handcrafted Limited Totem Series of Eight Which Influenced by Egyptian Design, Artist: Virgil Willers
Category
Vintage 1970s American Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Ermanno Nason for Cenedese Italian Brown Amber Murano Massello Glass Sculpture
By Ermanno Nason, Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
toned 'Massello' glass free hand abstract 'Totem' sculpture with five sections on a cylindrical base by
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Norma B. Flanagan
20th C. CT
Cast Aluminum Abstract Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A raw and totemic abstract aluminum sculpture by Norma Flanagan. Signed on the bottom of one flat
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Sanford Decker (1972) Contemporary Bronze Abstract Sculpture
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
, creating a line of sculptures influenced by organic forms. This includes his range of totemic sculptures
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
1990s Marine Sculptural Composition with Shells and Sea Urchins on a Golden Wood
Located in Marbella, ES
an organic, oceanic-inspired totem, where the contrast between the natural geometry of the urchins
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Mounted Objects
Materials
Shell, Wood
3 Rectangular Ovals on Short Angled Legs, Metallic Black-Glaze Clay Sculpture #2
By Helena Starcevic Ceramics
Located in New York, NY
This tall "Modern Totem" sculpture consists of softly rectangular rings stacked one on top of the
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Turuza Wauja. Two-headed bird Sculpture-Bench, 2024 Brazilian wood
Located in PARIS, FR
bench and a powerful totemic presence. Turuza reflects the Wauja’s profound connection to nature, their
Category
2010s Brazilian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood, Shell, Paint
Contemporary Leather Sculpture, Tabou 1 by Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara
By Stephane Parmentier
Located in Warsaw, PL
-age design and tribal art, these contemporary totems are great decorative pieces able to create a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Leather Sculpture, Tabou 3 by Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara
By Stephane Parmentier
Located in Warsaw, PL
-age design and tribal art, these contemporary totems are great decorative pieces able to create a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Leather Sculpture, Tabou 4 by Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara
By Stephane Parmentier
Located in Warsaw, PL
space-age design and tribal art, these contemporary totems are great decorative pieces able to create a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Leather Sculpture, Tabou 2 by Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara
By Stephane Parmentier
Located in Warsaw, PL
-age design and tribal art, these contemporary totems are great decorative pieces able to create a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Leather Sculpture, Tabou 5 by Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara
By Stephane Parmentier
Located in Warsaw, PL
space-age design and tribal art, these contemporary totems are great decorative pieces able to create a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Terracotta Figure Sculpture ‘Onorevoli’ Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Rome, IT
are totemic, essential, with round heads, cylindrical bodies and features reduced to a minimum (often
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Boho Abstract Brutalist Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This abstract sculptural piece stands upright like a totemic figure, composed of stacked and
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
François Gueneau, French Design, 20th Century Porcelain Sculpture, Signed
By Francois Gueneau
Located in London, GB
This elegant totem sculpture designed by François Gueneau, features a smooth, graceful form crafted
Category
20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Terracotta Gorilla Sculpture - made by the Belgian Artist CHEM M
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
captures every muscle and motion, lending the piece a raw, almost totemic presence. Signed “M” on the
Category
Early 2000s Belgian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Christian Poincignon for Daum, "Caduceus" Sculpture, Limited Edition
By Daum
Located in PARIS, FR
around a totemic handle surrounded by vines.
In very good condition.
Dimensions in cm ( H x D ) : 20 x
Category
1990s French Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
$2,369 Sale Price
30% Off
Hollow Black Rectangular Ceramic Sculpture on Eight Slender Feet
By Helena Starcevic Ceramics
Located in New York, NY
A new series of small sculptures in the Modern Totemic vein. Not exactly humanistic, but they do
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
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Totems For Sale on 1stDibs
An assortment of totems is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique totems was constructed with extraordinary care, often using ceramic, wood and metal. There are 173 antique and vintage totems for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 109 modern editions to choose from as well. Totems have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Totems bearing Modern or Mid-Century Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made totems over the years, but those made by Helena Starcevic Ceramics, Pascale Girardin and Ashley Hicks are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much are Totems?
Prices for totems start at $180 and top out at $195,000 with the average selling for $3,800.
Finding the Right Sculptures for You
Styling your home with vintage, new and antique sculptures means adding a touch that can meaningfully transform the space. By introducing a sculptural work as a decorative finish to any interior, you’re making a statement, whether you tend toward the dramatic or prefer to keep things casual with modest, understated art.
A single, one-of-a-kind three-dimensional figurative sculpture mounted on your dining room wall is a guaranteed conversation piece, while a trio of abstract works arranged on your living room bookshelves can add spontaneity to the collection of first-edition novels or artist monographs you’re displaying as well as draw attention to them. Figurative sculptures are representational works that portray a specific person, animal or object. And while decorating with busts, which are sculpted or cast figurative works, hasn’t exactly topped the list of design trends every year, busts are back. According to designer Timothy Corrigan, “They give humanity in a way that a more abstract sculpture can’t give.” Abstract sculptures, on the other hand, are not meant to show something specific. Instead, they invoke a mood or scene without directly stating what they are portraying.
Busts made of stone or metal may not seem like a good fit for your existing decor. Fortunately, there are many ways for a seemingly incongruous piece to fit in with the rest of your room’s theme. You can embrace a dramatic piece by making it the focal point of the room, or you can choose to incorporate several elements made out of the same material to create harmony in your space. If an antique or more dramatic piece doesn’t feel like you, why not opt for works comprising plastic, fiberglass or other more modern materials?
When incorporating sculpture into the design of your home — be it the playful work of auction hero and multimedia visionary KAWS, contemporary fiber art from Connecticut dealer browngrotta arts or still-life sculpture on a budget — consider proper lighting, which can bring out the distinctive aspects of your piece that deserve attention. And make sure you know how the size and form of the sculpture will affect your space in whole. If you choose a sculpture with dramatic design elements, such as sharp angles or bright colors, for example, try to better integrate this new addition by echoing those elements in the rest of your room’s design.
Get started on decorating with sculpture now — find figurative sculptures, animal sculptures and more on 1stDibs today.
Questions About Totems
- What does totem mean in art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In art, a totem means more than one thing. Generally, a totem is any item that depicts another object, person or animal. Indigenous people often use totems to symbolize their family heritage and ancestors. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of totems.
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