Zulu Hat
Early 20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Metal
Early 20th Century African Mounted Objects
Goat Hair
Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Cotton
Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Cotton
20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Cotton, Grasscloth
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century South African Tribal Art
Cotton
Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Iron
Mid-20th Century African Tribal Art
Natural Fiber
Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Cotton
Vintage 1950s South African Tribal Art
Fabric
20th Century South African Tribal Art
Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Art
Late 20th Century South African Tribal Art
Rope, Fabric
People Also Browsed
20th Century Animal Sculptures
Clay
20th Century Mounted Objects
Metal
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Tribal Art
Metal, Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Dining Room Tables
Aluminum
Antique Early 18th Century German Maps
Paper
2010s Austrian Side Tables
Metal
Antique Mid-19th Century Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Tribal Tribal Art
Silver
Vintage 1960s Ugandan Tribal Art
Shell, Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Vintage 1980s Indonesian Tribal Mounted Objects
Bone, Wood
Early 20th Century Burkinabe Primitive Masks
Wood
Late 20th Century Beninese Tribal Busts
Bronze
1930s Tribal Abstract Sculptures
Wood
1990s Turkmen Folk Art Tapestries
Cotton
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Tribal Art
Metal, Silver, Enamel
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.
Read More
A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
The 13-Star American Flag Had More Variations Than You’d Think
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Tramp Art, America’s Most Misunderstood Art Form, Is Trending in Interiors
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.