Decorative Folk Arts
Decorative folk arts are those traditional
items that emphasize the aesthetic dimension. However, many of
the items elsewhere in this exhibit, such as the Mardi Gras costumes,
Holy Cards, etched accordion, quilts, and baskets also clearly
have an artistic dimension. Likewise, a number of the decorative
items here have functions in addition to their pleasing or unusual
style and appearance.
For example, the Indian animal
effigies at one time may have been used totemically. The walking
sticks are still used for support as well as swagger. In fact,
the Anglo canes seem primarily utilitarian or at least representative
of spareness as an art style in carving.
The decorative duck decoys
show how working decoys such as those in the Occupational Crafts
area have evolved from a subsistence or sport activity to a highly
technical art form that goes beyond folk tradition. As carver
Charles Hutchison says, "In the old days we carved ducks
to catch birds, now we carve them to catch men."
Finally, the individualistic
untrained painter from a folk community such as Clementine Hunter
documents his or her version of traditional life.
View or Search Decorative Folk Art Artifacts of the Creole State Exhibit
