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Tribal Folk Art

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Style: Tribal
Wooden Head of a Wife of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Wooden head of a wife of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s. The Ooni is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. The Nigerian town is seen as the cradle of the Yoruba people. The number is the inventory number from Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966-1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where the remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Baga a-Bamp Bird Headdress with Canoe
Located in Chicago, IL
This graceful sculpture of a long-necked bird is a headdress known as "a-Bamp," worn during ritual masquerades of Baga adolescents in Guinea. With strong themes of defiance, these ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Guinean Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Toussian Storage Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Ovoid pots were an elegant storage solution in African tribal life. This beautifully balanced example is attributed to the Toussian people of Western Burkina Faso. Masterfully made to protect its contents from the elements, pots such as this one were coiled by female ceramists to hold food or personal...
Category

Early 20th Century Burkinabe Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Indonesian Tribal Anteater Form Headrest, Irian Jaya, Mid-20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A whimsical and intriguing headrest carved from a single piece of hardwood in the form of an anteater. The curved back of the animal would have supported the neck and displays a wonderfully warm patina from tribal use. The anteater's over sized head has been carved in a charming manner. Found in Sumatra, but most likely traded from Irian Jaya.
Category

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Early Twentieth-Century Finely Carved Small Chair, Ivory Coast
Located in London, GB
This early twentieth-century small chair displays a beautiful form. Typically low to the ground, such chairs are found among the Dan and Baule cultures in the Ivory Coast. Carved fro...
Category

Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Woman s Headdress in Shape of a Butterfly, Yao People, China
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Yao Woman's Hat in the shape of a butterfly. China, mid 20th century Linen stretched over a basketry frame, wood, silk tassels and fringe, glass beads. 22" x 20 1/2" x 5" (56 x 52 x...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Linen, Silk, Natural Fiber, Beads

Lake Sentani Carved Feasting Platter
Located in Austin, TX
A well carved festival feasting platter. One end featuring a long billed water bird head. The exterior carved with a traditional complex interlocking motif. The interior plain and di...
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Studded African Mask by Brian Stanziale
Located in Chicago, IL
In an exclusive collaboration with Pagoda Red, Chicago artist the bms. adds a contemporary twist to our collection of one-of-a-kind African art objects. Embellishing with silver and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary African Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Metal

African Nupe Terracotta Vessel Support, c. 1900
By Nupe
Located in Chicago, IL
The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this elegant, cylindrical vessel support, received detailed attention. This flaring terra cotta form would have been buried halfway in the ground, in a Nupe home, and used as a stable base for a stack of traditional round pots...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Mid-Twentieth Century Tall Female Figure With Bead Decoration
Located in London, GB
This mid-twentieth century figurative sculpture, which comes from the Kwere culture in Tanzania, depicts a female standing in an upright stance, with her hands placed by her sides. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tanzanian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Nightscape Depths Deep Blue Navy 270x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Our Savana collection presents this hand knotted beauty, a captivating embodiment of traditional Persian design, showcasing the timeless appeal of intricate patterns and rich hues. R...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Nupe Gourd Water Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by the natural world, nupe ceramicists fired this water vessel in the shape of a gourd. The vessel's varied textures and colors come from its utilitarian design. The paralle...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Blanco Nobilis Spina Garland
Located in Atlanta, GA
Inspired by the tribal bone garlands worn by the Vajrayana Buddhists of Tibet, this garland is a striking statement in sculptural minimalism, this hand-formed clay garland drapes ele...
Category

2010s American Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Clay

Collection of Dagari Spirit Figures From Burkina Faso
Located in Hudson, NY
This impressive collection of four carved wood figures are from the landlocked African country of Burkina Faso. This nation bordered by 6 other countries ...
Category

1930s Burkinabe Vintage Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Rare Form of Beaded Doll, Kenyan Coastal Region
Located in London, GB
This mid-twentieth century beaded doll, which likely originates from the Kenyan Coastal Region around Mombasa, exhibits a rare form with a wonderfully simp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Kenyan Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood, Beads

Palace Heirloom Medium Ivory Royal Gold 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step back in time with this exquisite hand-knotted rug, a masterpiece crafted. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of oriental design, this rug features intricate floral motif...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tribal Style Clay Bust Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Tribal style clay bust sculpture. Unusual tribal style / African style artist clay bust from the 20th century. This unique colorful artist sculpture depicts a tribal figure.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Clay

Aboriginal Body Painting Terrence Gurruwiwi Elcho Island, Australia
Located in Atlanta, GA
Title: Gumatj Ceremonial chest paint Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 32" H x 28.5" W Date created: November 2006 Artist: Terrence Gaypamany Gurruwiwi Language: Glapu Date of birth: 06/09/1984 The painting depicts the traditional body paint onto the chest during ceremonies of the local aboriginal communities. It is signed by the artist on verso as shown and also retains a stamp from Elcho Island Art...
Category

Early 2000s Australian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Honeyed Euphoria Apricot Medium Gold 300x420 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your living space with the enchanting allure of this carpet from our Savana collection. At first glance, it draws your eyes to its subtle color scheme – a harmonious blend of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Mbuti Ituri traditional handpainted Pygmee bark cloth
By Icons
Located in Zemst, BE
Mbuti Ituri (Congo) traditional handpainted Pygmee bark cloth. +/- 1920 These cloths we're made from the inside of the bark of the Ficus latex tree. After been prepared and dryed, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Tribal Runner with Khotan Pomegranate Border, c. 1940-50 s
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Funky Vintage Tribal Runner with Lime Green, Lemon, Tangerine & Denim Blue About: One of the most funky & charming runners we've ever had; incredible colors and a growing arabesq...
Category

20th Century Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Important Fang Mask – Ngil Society Gabon, wood fibers, mid-20th century
Located in NICE, FR
This Fang mask from the Ngil society powerfully embodies the refined aesthetics and spiritual intensity of Gabonese ritual art. Carved from kapok wood and partially coated with kaoli...
Category

1950s Gabonese Vintage Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Kaolin, Natural Fiber, Wood

Baule Chair 19th Century from the Ivory Coast
Located in Sharon, CT
Important and rare with beautiful heads as finials, fully formed with 'deco' touches and finely carved surface patterns. Beautiful untouched rich patina. For similar examples see Sot...
Category

Late 19th Century Ivorian Antique Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

European Sized Kalleh Antique Kurdish Tribal Rug
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Incredible European Sized Kalleh Antique Kurdish Tribal Beauty About: This is an incredibly character-rich piece Size: 7 x 12.7 Age: Antique Pile: Wonderful low/medium pile with an...
Category

1920s Vintage Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

African mask Yaure tribe Ivory Coast Circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
African mask from Yaure tribe in Ivory Coast Circa 1950. Beautiful dark patina. Swedish private collection, from the 1980s then inherited within the family. Yaure tribe art is renow...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Aboriginal Contemporary Fiber Art Camp Dog
By Yolanda Rostron
Located in Atlanta, GA
Aboriginal fiber art camp dog, known as Jamu. Artist: Yolanda Rostron. Year of birth: 1979. Nationality: Australian. Region: South Central Arnhem Land. Language group: Rembarrng...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Australian Aboriginal Painting on Hollow Log
Located in Atlanta, GA
Yalatai hollow log. Artist: Binguur Wirrpanda. Year of birth: 1973. Nationality: Australian. Region: East Arnhem Land. Medium: Ochres on hollow log. M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Giraffe Iron Sculpture, with Use of Tools and Other Objects C20
Located in Coimbra, PT
Giraffe by José Jerónimo single piece of art Iron sculpture with use of tools and other objects Signed Measures: 81 x 41 x 15 cm. Private collection.
Category

Late 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Iron

Aboriginal Contemporary Fiber Art Camp Dog
By Lena Yarinkura
Located in Atlanta, GA
Known as Jamu in Bolkdjam, Northern Territory, Australia, the camp dog was woven Pandanus fibers and painted with earth pigment and ochre. The ears and legs are from found wood and s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Australian Aboriginal Yawkyawk Fiber Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fiber art by contemporary aboriginal artist Allison Guwanjguwanj. It depicts a dreamtime creature called "Yawkyawk" which is the ancestor of the clan. It is a mermaid-like creature ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Hand Woven Turkish Purple, Pastel Pink and Peach Rug with geometric detail
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Peach and purple woven wool rug from Turkey. Featuring beautiful purple and peach tones and a geometric tribal pattern in the middle. Great for a hallway, beside a bed, in a foyer or...
Category

1990s Turkish Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Contemporary Giraffe Iron Sculpture, with Use of Tools and Other Objects C20
Located in Coimbra, PT
Giraffe by José Jerónimo single piece of art Iron sculpture with use of tools and other objects Signed Measures: 81 x 41 x 15 cm. Private collection.
Category

Late 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Iron

Pair of Bib Necklace on Metal Stands, Sold Singly
Located in Sheffield, MA
The highly decorative bib beaded necklaces are treated as works of art displayed on their black metal stands as sculptural works of art. Near the necks are bent poles wrapped with tw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Shell, Twine, Beads

Hand-Carved Backstrap with Floral Engravings from Madura, Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Hand-carved from Wood this is a wonderful example of a Backstrap Loom, an essential component of Ikat textile weaving. The present Backsrap Loom comes from the Island of Madura, off the northeastern coast of Java. The Curved section would fit around the weavers back not only providing support while they would we weave elaborate Ikat textiles but also allowing her to control the tension of the warp during weaving. In many cases husbands would craft unique carved and designed Backstrap looms for their wives and these would often be passed down through generations. The present Backstrap Loom features floral engravings.
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Kurdish Village Life Woven Inside Rug, c. 1930 s
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Handsome Antique Kurdish Beauty Spontaneous Village Life Woven Inside About: If you Love tribal / village rugs - then you are Dying over this piece. Look how beautiful it is!!! In...
Category

20th Century Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Generational Tapestry Italian Straw Twilight Blue 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Where do the echoes of ancient cultures meet modern living? This hand-knotted rug by is a captivating exploration of that very question. Inspired by the timeless artistry of primitiv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Saffron Midnight Blue Antique Kurdish Rug, c. 1930 s
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Unusual Saffron & Midnight Blue Antique Kurdish Rug Mystical Moody Tribal Beauty About: There's something just Very Mystical about this piece - I'm not sure if it's the combination...
Category

20th Century Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Pair of Carved Wood Catfish Head Boat Prows on Custom Stands--New Guinea
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of carved wood catfish head boat prows from Papua New Guinea. This pair of mid-20th century Papua New Guinean boat prows has been carved out of wood and features the head of a...
Category

20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Iron

African Spear Currency on Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a pair of vintage African spear currencies from the Mbole peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo which are nicely presented upon custom m...
Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Iron

Naga TOTEM, North-East India, 19th Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Coming from the area of influence of the Naga people, this stunning monolitic piece is an extraordinary example of their cultural views. The Nagas are a conglomeration of different t...
Category

19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Silk Whisperings Warm Gray Warm Gray 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Intricate. Symmetrical. Timeless. This hand-knotted rug transcends mere floor covering, transforming into a captivating work of art. Imagine the delicate touch of calligraphy transla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Mid-20th Century Ife-Style Bronze Royal Head, Benin
Located in NICE, FR
This rare and unique Ife-style bronze head, dating from the mid-20th century, draws inspiration from the great sculptural traditions of West Africa’s royal arts. Echoing the prestigious effigies of the kingdoms of Ife and Benin, these works embody the symbolic language associated with sovereign authority, lineage, and ancestral commemoration. Crafted using the refined lost-wax casting technique, it demonstrates remarkable precision and mastery—harmonious proportions, finely worked surfaces, and a dignified presence. The style evokes the renowned Ife heads...
Category

1940s Beninese Vintage Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Mid-20th Century Ife-Style Bronze Royal Head, Benin
Located in NICE, FR
This rare and unique Ife-style bronze head, dating from the mid-20th century, draws inspiration from the great sculptural traditions of West Africa’s royal arts. Echoing the prestigious effigies of the kingdoms of Ife and Benin, these works embody the symbolic language associated with sovereign authority, lineage, and ancestral commemoration. Crafted using the refined lost-wax casting technique, it demonstrates remarkable precision and mastery—harmonious proportions, finely worked surfaces, and a dignified presence. The style evokes the renowned Ife heads...
Category

1940s Beninese Vintage Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Herringbone Haven Sea Green Graphite 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embrace the minimalist aesthetic with this hand-knotted rug, a testament to the power of clean lines and geometric patterns. The sea green ground color, reminiscent of tranquil water...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Blooming Veil Antique White Ombre Blue 270x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This handcrafted piece from our Far East collection is a stunning testament to the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics. With its blooming design and exqui...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Beaded Neck Adornment and Apron. Pokot, Kenya
Located in London, GB
Among the Pokot, body adornments are visual signifiers of power, wealth and status within the community. Given as a gift to a new bride by her husband, this finely beaded neck adornm...
Category

Mid-20th Century Kenyan Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Beads

Palace Size HALVAI BIDJAR Nomadic Masterpiece COCOON TO BUTTERFLY STORYLINE
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Halvai Bidjar Palace Size Tribal Rug Nomadic Masterpiece in Navy, Salmon, Beige Colors About this rug: There is nothing like this anywhere in the wor...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Mysterious Dated Tribal Antique Rug
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Prince Mysterious Dated Tribal Antique Rug About: Super mysterious antique rug woven in the villages of the epicenter of rug weaving. such a bold piece...
Category

20th Century Tribal Folk Art

Dated Minimal Tribal Beauty Antique Rug, 1954
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Benny Dated Minimal Antique Tribal Beauty About: The mystique of dated tribal rugs, mmmm you gotta love it! Why did the weaver date their art? Did they intent on it transcending for...
Category

20th Century Tribal Folk Art

African Textile Showa Kuba also for Backrest Cover or Bedspread
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Vintage African Kuba textile, suitable for a modern wall panel, on a long table or to make pillows. Handwoven and hand-dyed raffia fabric - An IDEA: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Raffia

Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terra cotta object was part of the Bura tribe's burial ritual. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Set of Two Original painted African Tribal Carved and Painted Art Pieces
Located in Markington, GB
Set of two African tribal carved out of solid wood and painted art pieces.
Category

1980s African Vintage Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Lovely Multicoloured Vintage Geometric Kilim Aztec Rug
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Vintage Kilim Turkish rug. We have lightly restored this by giving it a hand clean all over, hand waxed and hand polishing. Dime...
Category

20th Century British Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Fabric

African Currency, Thoung Knife
Located in Dallas, TX
Most forms were developed from traditional metal objects that were already in use such as weapons, tools, bracelets and anklets. While some continued to be functional for work or dec...
Category

15th Century and Earlier African Antique Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Dayak Tribal Baby Carrier Kalimantan Borneo
Located in Chonburi, TH
This Dayak Tribal Baby Carrier from Kalimantan, Borneo, is a stunning example of traditional indigenous craftsmanship. Made from a combination of beads, rattan, and wood, this carrie...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Rattan, Wood, Beads

African Decorative Object, Gourd
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
African decorative object, gourd, early 20th century. Measures: H 11 cm, L 57 cm, W 13 cm.
Category

20th Century African Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Leather

Full Pile Vintage Navy Tribal Rug Mat, c. 1950 s
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Beautiful Full Pile Vintage Navy Tribal Rug Mat About: Lovely piece, lThis rug is also available with a custom cut pad (sold separately).ots of personality and beauty with Plush ful...
Category

20th Century Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Ankle Bracelet "Djokélebalé" or "Nsoukou" – Kota Culture, Gabon, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Impressive open bronze alloy ankle bracelet, featuring a wide ring decorated with six raised moldings. The oxidized, granular patina attests to its age and ritual use. These ornamen...
Category

1890s Gabonese Antique Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Ibedji Statuette – Yoruba Culture, Nigeria, circa 1930 (20th century)
Located in NICE, FR
Ibedji Statuette – Yoruba Culture, Nigeria, circa 1930 (20th century) This pair of male Ibedji statuettes originates from the Yoruba tribe in West Africa, specifically Nigeria. Amon...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Bygone Ballad Soft Gray Soft Gray 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug whisper stories of the past? This hand-knotted masterpiece from certainly can. Crafted in the traditional oriental style, it features a timeless dance of floral motifs, met...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Tribal Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tribal folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Tribal folk art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, 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, rugs and carpets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Tribal folk art made in a specific country, there are Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, Yoruba People, Baule Tribe, and Benin People. 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 $95 and tops out at $104,031 while the average work can sell for $1,853.

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