Carved American Carnival Head, circa 1890s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Finely featured carved man's head found in the southern United States. Most likely a late 19th century carnival head featured in a ball or ring toss game.
Wood
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Poodle Face Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Poodle Face" head resembles a poodle with a brown fur collar.
Paper
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Curious Grandpa Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Curious Grandpa" head resembles a man with white hair and curious facial expression, sadly the ...
Paper
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Blue Bulldog Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Blue Bulldog" head resembles a very grumpy little cartoon bulldog with a studded collar and loa...
Paper
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Extra Large Jovial Rasta Woman Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This extra large Jovial Rasta Woman head has an infectiously happy yet devious face.
Paper
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Extra Large Sea Devil Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This extra large "Sea Devil" head with a seahorse sticking out of the top and an eel going through th...
Paper
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Green Monster with Pipe Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Green Monster" head resembles a sea creature or swamp monster who enjoys smoking from his tobac...
Paper
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Blue Monster Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large hand-painted fiberglass carnival head depicting a grumpy blue demon monster character, complete with red hair, wide-set brown eyes, yellow tusk-like protrusions, and an open ci...
Paper
American Carnival Wagon or Band Organ Carved Female Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century American carnival wagon or band organ female head carving. Very detailed wood carving with great old white painted surface.
Wood
Mid-Century Era Molded Fiberglass Carnival Clown Head or Midway Game Component
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This formed clown head was likely a part or cover for an air tank or a component of a carnival midway game.
Fiberglass
1950's Papier mâché french theatre head
Located in Diest, BE
A 1950's rare original James Ensor style papier mâché theatre head. This item was obtained via a private collection (France).
Paper
Antique 1930s Judge Theatre Papier Mâché Head from Paris
Located in London, GB
Antique 1930s judge theatre papier mâché head from Paris This lot is a rare original 1930s papier mâché French theatre heads. This item was obtained via a private collection in Ly...
Paper
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Wooden Carnival, Fair or Advertisement Head of the Strongest Man
Located in Haarlem, NL
This is a very cool guy, it's a wooden head of a 19th century 'the Strongest Man of the World' attraction on a carnival or fair.
Wood
Large Early 1900's Paper Mache Carnival Head
Located in Chicago, IL
Early 1900's hand painted paper mache carnival head.
Papier Mâché, Paper
Large Early 1900's Paper Mache Carnival Head
Located in Chicago, IL
Large early 1900's hand painted paper mache carnival head.
Papier Mâché, Paper
Czechoslovakian "Oh My Deer" Papier Mache Carnival Head
Located in Charleston, SC
Hand made Czechoslovakian Papier-mâché Deer head with original inside label.
Large Vintage Carnival Clown Head Game
Located in Chicago, IL
Large vintage carnival clown head game by Game Time Company. Original paint.
Metal
Antique American Copper Unicorn Head Carnival Ride
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique American copper unicorn head carnival ride. Original finish.
Copper
Original American Early 20th Century Carnival Game Head
Located in Chicago, IL
Original early 20th century carnival game head.
Costume Head, Rooster
Located in Clear Spring, MD
A molded paper costume head from a shop in Missouri. Colorful and fun! Great for display and obviously can be worn!
Carousel Horse Head with Iron Base
Located in Middleburg, VA
A charming and whimsical carousel horse head on base. Original paint with fantastic color, patina and great character.
Lot of 20 19th Century Marionette Wooden Heads
Located in Warsaw, PL
Original collection of 20 pieces of wood marionette heads from the 19th century. Sculptured - Eastern Europe - Poland or the Czech Republic. Handmade of wood, hand painted. Head hei...
Wood
That'll Do Mule, That'll Do....
Located in Charleston, SC
Adorable carnival Mule/Horse head made of papier mache and fabric.
Metal
Carnival Figure by Colin Frooms in Pastel
Located in Bodicote, Oxfordshire
The artwork is of a person dressed in carnival costume with head gear and face mask. Where the paper has been adhered to the canvas it is separating in areas and has caused a ripplin...
Canvas, Paper
Early 20th Century Papier Mache American Carnival Head
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century papier Mache American carnival head A hand crafted early 20th century papier Mache American carnival head.
Paper
Vintage Paper Mâché Parade Carnival Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This giant papier mâché parade head was found in Kansas. Most likely used for a department store Thanksgiving or Christmas parade or Mardi Gras festivities. This bad boy has been the...
Composition
Vintage French Papier Mache Brightly Painted Carnival Heads
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A variety of large brightly-painted vintage French papier mâché Carnival or ‘caricature’ type heads.
Paper
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Blue Bulldog Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Blue Bulldog" head resembles a very grumpy little cartoon bulldog with a studded collar and loa...
Paper
Vintage Carnival Iron Clown Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large carnival midway game clown head. Made by the Game Time Company in Litchfield, Michigan.
Carnival Or Circus Glass Eyed Tiger Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This paper mache tiger head from the 1920's features glass eyes and a fantastic vibrant original paint surface.
Papier Mâché, Paper
Carnival Placque Egyptian Motif, Cast Iron Head
Located in Petaluma, CA
Colorful and whimsical placque from a carnival is made out of wood and has the rare and desirable feature of a cast iron head of an Egyptian woman.
Wood
Huge Vintage Papier Mâché Carnival Parade Head, 1950s
Located in Hastings, GB
Huge papier mâché carnival 'Big Head' Handmade vintage carnival parade head circa 1950s In good condition for age Dimensions Are as close as possible, a very awkward shap...
Vintage Carnival Papier Mâché Head with Moveable Teeth
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very unique head from a carnival. Great coloring and condition.
Paper
Sold
H 42 in W 25 in D 31 in
Large Fiberglass Elephant Head, Carnival Trash Can Lid / Cover Venice Calif
By Architectural Fiberglass, Arcade International
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Whimsical Fiberglass Elephant head, carnival trash can lid / cover, manufactured by the International Fiferglass Company, Venice California.
Fiberglass
Rare Early 20th Century Carnival Wooden Horse Figures from Mexico
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Collector's sculpture pieces. Carnival carved horse head from Veracruz, Mexico. Used for ceremonial dances and festivities.
Wood
Large Painted Wooden Donkey Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Wonderfully animated painted donkey head. Likely from a carnival or amusement park environment.
Wood
Winston Churchill Papier Mâché Head
Located in London, GB
Huge paper mâché Carnival / Fairground Winston Churchill decorative rare item The item for sale is a very rare vintage circa 1970s English handmade life-size carnival Winston Chur...
Paper
Carved Wood Ventriloquist Dummy Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
The eyes on this amazing ventriloquist dummy head can be moved up and down by pulling on the metal ring. His mouth can be opened by hand and will spring closed. Found in Peoria, IL.
Wire
Mid-20th Century Papier Mache Theatre Head
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th century papier mache theatre head We are proud to offer a mid-20th century hand crafted papier mache theatre head. In the form of a bull this example is made from papier...
Paper
Herschell Spillman Cast Iron Vintage Carousel Heads
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic set of three Herschell Spillman carousel rounding board heads. Cast iron faces with wood board backs. All in original park paint. Each face/board measures 12" across by 15"...
Iron
Cast Iron Herschell-Spillman Iron Carousel Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great early American Carousel rounding board sheild made by the Herschell-Spillman Carousel Company. Great original park paint on original wood sheild.
Vintage Oliver Hardy Theatre Papier Mâché Head / Mask
Located in London, GB
This lot is a wonderful example of a vintage English handmade papier mâché hardy theater head. It’s highly likely this item was accompanied by a Stan Laurel head when the theatre per...
Paper
Early 20th Century English Carved Wooden Puppet Heads
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century carved wooden puppet heads We are proud to offer an original set of early 20th century hand carved wooden puppet heads. Made from pine and individually hand paint...
Pine, Paint
French Papier Mâché Theatre Horse Head from Paris, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
French papier mâché theatre horse head from Paris, circa 1950s For sale in this LOT is a rare original 1950s Papier mâché French theatre horse’s heads. This item was obtained via ...
Paper
Sold
H 18 in W 16 in D 16 in
Early 20th Century French Big Mama Papier Mache Bakery Advertising Head Display
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century French Big Mama Papier Mache Bakery Advertising Head Display My name is big Mama, I bake wholesome cakes and would have given big hugs when you needed. An early ...
Paper
Cast Iron Horses Head Fragment with a Wonderful Aged Surface, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Cast iron horses head fragment with a wonderful aged surface, circa 1900. We are proud to offer a highly decorative and wonderfully aged cast iron horses head fragment. The surface s...
Metal
2 French Chefs
Located in Peekskill, NY
We just returned from Paris and came home with 2 French chefs. These are early full head paper mache carnival masks. They have great character and detail.
A Playful Pair of English Cast Iron Polychromed Carnival Horse Heads
Located in San Francisco, CA
A playful pair of English cast iron polychromed carnival horse heads; each with a direct and expressive gaze with flared nostrils and open mouths fitted with reins
Rare Papier Mâché Theatre Mask
Located in London, GB
Rare double sided theatre carnival papier mâché oversized head. This is a very collectable and unique item, we have never had one in stock before and very unlikely to be obtaining...
Paper
1930s Hand-Painted Paper Mache Carnival Head "Bellhop
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s hand-painted Paper Mache Carnival Head "Bellhop,All hand exicuted .hand painted.
Paper
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Green Monster Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Green Monster" head resembles a sea creature or swamp monster, he originally had a smoking pipe...
Paper
Rare Polychrome Terra Cotta Carnival Clown Head
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental Hand Decorated Polychromed Terra Cotta Carnival Clown Bust Mounted on Board.
Terracotta, Wood
Vintage Carnival Midway Clown Head Found In Upstate New York
Located in Santa Monica, CA
American carnival midway clown head found in upstate New York.
Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 28 in D 8 in
Large Vintage Mechanical Papier-Mâché Witches Head from Carnival Haunted House
Located in Lafayette, IN
This spectacular papier maché witch head has all the scary facial features one would expect from a witch and was likely originally from a haunted house/carnival installation.
Steel
1940s Life-Sized Papier Mâché Horse Head from a Connecticut Carnival
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Great folk piece. This life-sized papier mâché horse head came from the Danbury fair in the 1940s.
Papier Mâché German Theatre Head
Located in London, GB
German officer papier mâché theatre head from Paris, circa 1950s This lot is a rare original 1950s papier mâché French theatre heads in the form of a German soldier. This item was...
Paper
19th Century Carousel Horse Head, by Gustav Dentzel
By Gustave Dentzel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century carousel horse head, by Gustav Dentzel Exquisite carving and original paint, a fine example of a 'shoulder mount' horse head realistically carved and painted with inse...
Wood
Early 20th Century German Folk-Art Carved Wooden Puppet Heads
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century German Folk-Art Carved Wooden Puppet Heads For sale in this LOT is a highly collectable and rare Folk-art hand carved wooden puppet head, German in Origin. These ...
Pine
Outsider Art Doll Head Sculpture "Everybody Needs Some" Hollywood H, 1987
By Hollywood H
Located in Buffalo, NY
Great outsider or Folk Art sculpture, shadow box. Made from various found objects. Acquired from the artist, titled "Everybody Needs Some" signed Hollywood H, circa 1987.
20th Century Carnival Head from Nice 1960s Made of Papier Mâché
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century carnival head from Nice made in the 1960s of papier mâché.
Cord, Paper
20th Century, Carnival Head from Nice, 1960s, Made of Papier Mâché
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century, carnival head from Nice, made in the 1960s of papier mâché.
Cord, Paper
20th Century Carnival Head from Nice 1960s Made of Papier Mâché
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century carnival head from nice made in the 1960s of papier mâché.
Cord, Paper
20th Century Carnival Head from Nice 1960s Made of Papier Mâché
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century carnival head from Nice made in the 1960s of papier mâché.
Cord, Paper
20th Century Carnival Head from Nice 1960s Made of Papier Mâché
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century carnival head from Nice made in the 1960s of papier mâché.
Paper, Ribbon
20th Carnival Head from Nice 1960s Made of Papier Mâché and Cardboard
Located in Berlin, DE
20th carnival head from Nice made in the 1960s of papier mâché and cardboard.
Vintage Paper Mache Carnival Head
Located in Oakland, CA
Large and spooky, this relic hails from New Orleans, and was made by the American Mask Manufacturing Company, Findlay, Ohio. I'd swear it is modeled after Bela Lugosi's Count Dracula.
Papier Mâché, Paper
Giant Rotating Carnival Head of Man
Located in Pasadena, CA
A large-scale papier mache carnival head resting atop a rotating base. The skillfully rendered head has a lively, realistic expression emphasized by hand-painted decoration and real ...
Paint, Papier Mâché, Paper
Papier-Mache Carnival Head by El Ingenio Barcelona
By El Ingenio
Located in Hudson, NY
an outstanding handmade papier-mache carnival or mardi gras head in the form of a turkish bearded and turbanned man. made by famous Barcelona shop El Ingenio.
Papier Mâché
Rotating Carnival Head of Woman in Paper Mache and Hair
Located in Pasadena, CA
A large carnival head rendered in paper mache and real hair that is tied back with a flower.
Papier Mâché, Paper
European carnival heads
Located in Treasure Island, CA
Unique heads, featuring European heads of state, and Ronald Reagan. These were designed to go over one's head. Massive scale. Price is for each. ****Reagan sold******Man with gray...
Papier Mâché, Paper
Maurice Dufrêne for La Maitrise art deco tapestry 1922
By La Maitrise, Maurice Dufrêne
Located in Paris, IDF
Maurice Dufrene designed this tapestry for the studio La Maitrise, Les Galeries Lafayette, in Paris in 1922, just as he became the director of the studio. Crafted from handspun wool,...
Wool
$500 / item
H 18.7 in W 13.2 in D 3 in
Manly P. Hall's The Secret Teachings, Facsimile Book Set with Prints
By TASCHEN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The classic encyclopedia of the arcane in an expanded edition. Renowned philosopher and lecturer Manly P. Hall’s masterful encyclopedia of ancient symbols, hidden rituals, and arcan...
Foil
$3,954 / set
H 13.78 in W 27.96 in D 3.75 in
Pair of Entomology Specimen Display Cases By J T Stockall London Taxidermy Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large and impressive pair of late 19th early 20th century Entomology specimen cases, containing a varied collection of over one hundred insects from around the world pinned to an e...
Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
$23,681Sale Price|30% Off
H 6.3 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in
Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian) Morocco The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco. I att...
Bone
American Folk Art Cowboy and Horse Whirligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Tall one of a kind cowboy and horse spinning whirligig American Folk Art piece. Most likely from a larger folk art environment. Sheet steel construction on a large spoked farm wheel ...
Iron, Sheet Metal
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 14 in W 24 in D 22 in
1930s Entomology Moth & Butterfly Collection Wall Display Rare Extinct Bugs
By Grant Wood 1
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Interesting piece from an Iowan Estate. This piece is unsigned. The folklore I was told by the seller about the piece is that this was originally from the Grant Wood Estate. Howeve...
Glass
$3,713
H 10 in W 3.25 in D 1.5 in
Mano Sol Giltwood Sculpture, Surrealist, Late 20th Century, Signed
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Aventura, FL
Carved giltwood sculpture. Signed Pedro Friedberg on the underside of the base. Size: 10 x 3.25 x 1.5 inches. Certificate of Authenticity is included. Artwork is in excellent co...
Gold Leaf
$20,998
H 125.99 in W 159.45 in D 124.02 in
French Style Wrought Iron Wall Greenhouse with Door and Windows
Located in Marbella, ES
Elegant octagonal wrought iron wall greenhouse, perfect for creating a unique and sophisticated space in gardens, patios or terraces. Its design with arches and decorative panels hig...
Iron
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
H 27 in W 29 in D 2 in
"Health Chiropractic, " Rare Art Deco Metal Trade Sign for Chiropractor
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This classic example of trade signage featuring a nude male angel figure with outspread wings was cast in aluminium and painted a shade of off-white. It has all the charm of classic ...
Aluminum
$11,995
H 78.75 in W 56.5 in D 4.5 in
Pair Antique American Stained Glass Gothic Art Nouveau Doors Windows Povey Bros
By Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Portland, OR
A rare & important pair of antique American Art Nouveau with Gothic frames stained glass doors/windows, by Povey Brothers, Portland Oregon, circa 1900. Over 6.5' in height. Povey Bro...
Stained Glass
Folk Art Motorized Ferris Wheel, Custom Made, Metal & Hardwood, 1950s
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1838 Custom made Carnival Folk Art motorized ferris wheel . Rotates with small lights added set on a wood base
Metal
$27,500
H 46.46 in W 101.58 in D 20.28 in
Ernesto Valabrega for Studio Vittorio Valabrega Decorative Fireplace Mantel
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Valabrega for Studio Vittorio Valabrega, decorative fireplace mantel, lacquered wood, plaster, glass, iron, Italy, 1930s This striking decorative fireplace mantel, presumabl...
Iron
Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Desk Blotter Ends
By Tiffany Studios, Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in New York, NY
A pair of gilt bronze “Zodiac” desk blotter ends by Tiffany Studios New York. The blotter ends each feature intricate pseudo-Celtic patterning interspersed with circular elements in ...
Bronze, Enamel
$13,765
H 18.2 in W 23.6 in D 11.3 in
Large Masterly Carved Swiss Black Forest Nutwood Chalet with Clock and Music Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality, hand carved and truly impressive antique clock with 8 music melodies. Over the years we have had the pleasure of owning and selling a number of beautiful Black Forest a...
Brass, Iron, Enamel
$6,000
H 42.5 in W 37 in D 3 in
Wood Carved Folk Art Girl and Dog Carousel Chariot Original Paint Surface
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic girl and her dog Folk Art carved carousel chariot panel. Superb original paint surface. Great three dimensional surface. Excellent wall hanging.
Wood
$8,282
H 16.5 in W 47.5 in D 13.2 in
Very Rare Antique Oak Wall Coat Rack w. Acrobatic Jester Figure Hooks, Great Fun
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and highly decorative wall coat rack with at least ten hooks. One of the main reasons for people wanting to own antiques is for their decorative appeal and this hand-crafted ...
Iron
The collection of original antique and vintage carnival art on 1stDibs includes paintings and posters that promoted traveling carnivals and circuses of years past as well as masks, sculptures and other works of folk art associated with widespread public celebrations that mark the start of harvest season or are rooted in religion.
The concept of “Carnival” is linked to an event that precedes Lent, the season of preparation before Easter for Christians (it may also have roots in Ancient Rome’s pagan Saturnalian festival), while the modern traveling carnival that we know — i.e., amusement fairs — existed during the 19th century in North America. The Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 was pivotal to these traveling amusement fairs.
Some of the most famous celebrations of Carnival around the world include Karneval in Germany, Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in the United States. Carnival in Barbados is a traditional harvest festival. The bright colors, the caricatured masks and floats and the over-the-top nature of Carnival continue to enthrall millions across the globe.
Carnivals have always given way to impressive displays of creativity and folk art. Folk art is art created by people who are not classically trained for either utilitarian or decorative purposes. With respect to visual art in folk art, it refers to work that is reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition.
Carnival art reflects the way different cultures celebrate or mark an important community event. Some examples of Carnival art include fabric dolls and marionettes that are used to tell stories and capture your imagination. Antique dolls make for striking collectibles positioned for display on any shelf in your home, while carnival masks make a bold statement as wall art. A collection of masks could create an elevated accent wall in a living room or dining room.
Browse 1stDibs to find unique antique and vintage carnival art for your space today.
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.
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.
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
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.
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.
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.