Mid-Century Handmade Folk Art Pilgrim Thanksgiving Figures—a Pair

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Mid-century craftiness at its best: these wonderfully charming vintage Pilgrim figures are handmade examples of mid-century Thanksgiving folk art, crafted … Read more Mid-century craftiness at its best: these wonderfully charming vintage Pilgrim figures are handmade examples of mid-century Thanksgiving folk art, crafted from an imaginative mixture of felt, spun fiber, Styrofoam, pipe cleaners and tiny decorative details.

The figures are constructed around cone-shaped Styrofoam forms and dressed by hand in traditional Pilgrim-inspired clothing. Their wonderfully expressive faces are complemented by spun white hair, oversized white collars and carefully fashioned hats and bonnets. Pipe-cleaner arms hold tiny faux fruits and harvest details, while metallic buckles and trims add just the right bit of mid-century sparkle.

These particular Pilgrims have a lovely family history. They were handmade by Ms. H.'s creative and crafty mother, most likely during the 1950s or early 1960s, and became part of the family's longtime Thanksgiving decorations.

Similar handmade Pilgrim figures appear to be quite rare today. The few examples found suggest that figures of this type may have been created from patterns or craft projects available during the mid-century period, although the exact pattern or source for this pair is unknown. The variations in materials, construction and hand-applied details are part of their wonderful one-of-a-kind character. See less