Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the 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.
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 antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
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Style: Folk Art
Antique European Carved Gilt And Polychrome Coat Of Arms Wall Plaque
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable hand carved coat of arms featuring a knightly crest.
This is an exceptionally well made and decorative piece. It is a very...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Wood
Moroccan Khoumya Tribal Dagger, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Moroccan Khoumya Tribal hand -crafted and hand-carved dagger with brass scabbard and a chiseled wooden grip.
Hand made by Moroccan artisans and is one-of-a-kind.
Good condition wit...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Brass, Steel
Moroccan Brass Decorative Collector Dagger
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Handcrafted Moroccan brass dagger, mixed metal, copper, nickel and enamel.
Moroccan Hand carved Khoumiya dagger, of typical shape with curved bla...
Category
Late 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage African Mandingo Tuareg Dagger Mali West Africa
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage African Mandingo Tribal Tuareg Dagger Mali West Africa.Collectible Tuareg Knife from Mali circa 1950s.This collectible dagger was hand-crafted by...
Category
Mid-20th Century Malian Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Steel
Moroccan Dagger Brass and Silver Decorative Collector Khoumya
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Handcrafted Moroccan dagger brass and silvered adorned with mixed metal, copper, nickel.
Moroccan Hand carved Khoumiya dagger, of typical shape...
Category
Late 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Metal, Brass
African Moroccan Tribal Tuareg Khoumya Leather Dagger Paper Cutter
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
African Moroccan Tuareg tribal Khoumya arm dagger in dark brown leather sheath.
great to use as a paper cutter on desk.
Handcrafted by Artisans in south Morocco, very fine quality craftsmanship with a stamped leather engraved with Moroccan Tuareg geometric tribal designs.
The arm dagger was a weapon widely used by people across Africa in the Sahara and Sudanic Africa, from the central Sahara to North Cameroon, from Nigeria to Somalia.
It was worn in a sheath attached to the inner side of the left forearm by a loop,
Metal steel blade shows some rust, leather in very good condition.
Size: 13 inches length x widest part 1.5 inches. Blade is 1 inch.
Africa, Morocco circa 1940s.
Great Islamic antique Nomadic Tuareg knife dagger...
Category
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Metal
Vintage West African Mandingo Tuareg Knife Mali Collectible Craft 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage African Mandingo Tribal Tuareg Knife Dagger West Africa.Collectible decorative Tuareg Knife from Mali circa 1950s.This vintage dagger was handcrafted by the Mandingo people of West Africa, it features a engraved metal blade and a wooden handle adorned with engraved leather ornaments. The knife comes complete with its original design leather scabbard with leather fringes to the bottom.
The pod is made of leather with various woven and braided patterns in different colors.With typical red and leather bound hilt on a wooden core. The double-edged blade is flat-backed, long leaf-shaped with engraved metal.
It includes its original leather scabbard with fringes.
Dimensions:
* Total length (including leather tassels):approx. 12".
* Blade length:
Condition:
* Good
* Wooden hilt, woven leather grip, and sheath with braided patterns in different colors
* Double-edged, dull steel blade
This unique piece was handcrafted in the West Africa Mali it is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of antique African folk art.
This old African Manding arm dagger knife scabbard is a unique piece that will surely be a great addition to any collection. The blade material is steel, and the cutting edge is a double edge. The handle is made of high-quality leather, and the color of the knife is multi-colored. This dagger is an original piece. This is a genuine old leather sheathed dagger. Made by the Manding people who are indigenous to the Western region of Africa. Wooden hilt. Woven leather grip & sheath. Leather fringe is still pretty supple. Blade is a steel color, very smooth. The knife's sheath is woven leather.This collectible item is perfect for knife enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone who appreciates the beauty and uniqueness of antique weapons...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Steel
Large Antler Table Clock, Centerpiece And Smoke Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large antler table clock, centerpiece and smoke stand.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Antler
Polte Magdeburg 1911 WWI Brass Artillery Shell Casing Stool
Located in Hanover, MA
Massive World War I brass artillery shell case marked "Polte Magdeburg Juni 1911" fitted with custom round pillbox cushion upholstered in sea foa...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Brass
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ANTIQUE ROYAL HAND CARVED ENGLISH OAK ARMORIAL COAT OF ARMS CROWNS EAGLEs
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Framed British Coat Of Arms
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Imperial Austrian and Hungarian Coats of Arms – Antique Print, c.1880
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Rare Antique Map of Southwestern Europe and West Africa by V.M. Coronelli, 1692
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A Moroccan Brass Hamsa Amulet
Located in New York, NY
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Silver and Brass Lighter, Hermes, Italy, c. 1970
By Hermès
Located in New York City, NY
This vintage Hermes lighter is meticulously crafted in brass and silver and adorned with the iconic Hermes logo.
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Early 20th Century Moroccan Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah
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West African Vintage Indigı Cloth, Mali
Located in Istanbul, TR
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Previously Available Items
Pair of Vintage Western Stitched Leather and Iron Stirrups, Western Decor
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful pair of Western leather wrapped wrought iron stirrups. Each stirrup is hand wrapped and stitched together with leather stripping. These will make wonderful Western Décor...
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H 8.5 in W 5.75 in D 1.5 in
1920 English Two Sided Used Metal Pub Sign
Located in Surrey, BC
Great old sign acquired from a private collection, where it has been sitting for 20+ years. it is worn from exposure but graphics and details are great wall art.
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Wood Carved Gun American Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
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American 18th Century Pennsylvania Dutch Carved Powder Horn
Located in Wiscasset, ME
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Rare WWI Tank Crew Splatter Mask, circa 1917
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Rare WWI tank crew splatter mask, circa 1917.
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Antique Walking Stick or Cane That Has a Hidden Large Sword Inside
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
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Rare 18th Century Folk Carved Powderhorn House Mermaid
Located in Wiscasset, ME
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Three Same Knives, Lapland, One Signed "EPP", circa 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Three same knives, Lapland.
One signed "EPP", circa 1960s.
In very good condition.
Measures: Largest 29 cm.
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Handcuffs by Hiatt, England
Prop from Magician
Labeled#297, circa 1870
Located in Incline Village, NV
I purchased from an estate a few "magic" items that had been wrapped up since the 1940s and were shipped from New York City; home to many famous magicians such as "Herrmann The Great...
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Prop From Magician
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Folk Art arms, armor and weapons for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art arms, armor and weapons 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 arms, armor and weapons created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art arms, armor and weapons made in a specific country, there are Africa, Maghreb, and Morocco pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original arms, armor and weapons, popular names associated with this style include and Berber Tribes of Morocco. 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 arms, armor and weapons differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $4,400 while the average work can sell for $725.
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