Decorative Sculpture

The decorative sculpture collection encompasses a wide range of creative three-dimensional artistic expressions from decoys, animals and reptiles, weathervanes and whirligigs, figureheads, store figures, and shop signs, to full-size portraits of children and adults. The high-spirited appearance of folk sculpture is often as fundamental to the purpose of the sculpture itself. The decorative and practical are often combined to achieve aesthetically pleasing, functional objects while other objects are expressions of religion, patriotism, or pure amusement. These sculptures provide extraordinary insight into the daily life and world of Americans from the 19th century through the present day and represent the artistic expressions of self-trained artists from all walks of life.