Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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.
Late 18th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Glass, Wood, Paper
19th Century Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Silk
1960s Ghanaian Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Cotton
1960s Ghanaian Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Cotton
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Paint
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Cotton
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Clay
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Masonite, Paint
1890s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Metal
1860s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Leather, Hardwood, Paint
1890s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wood
Mid-20th Century Russian Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Cotton
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Gesso, Wood
1890s North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Iron
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Pen, Paper, Giltwood
20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Plexiglass
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wool
1760s English Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wood
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wood
1940s Italian Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wood, Paper
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Brass
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Silk
Early 20th Century Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Brass
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Canvas, Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Cotton
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Cotton
Early 20th Century Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Brass
Mid-20th Century Ghanaian Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
19th Century Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wood, Fabric
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Muslin
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Iron
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Cotton
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Linen
1860s North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wool
19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wood, Fabric
1850s North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Cotton, Glass, Wood
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Iron
1890s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Wood