How to identfy Tramp Art

Things You’ll Need:
Keen eye
Knowledge of American Art History

To define Tramp Art- Tramp art is a woodworking style popularized in the late 1800's and early 1900's characterized by the notch carving and layering (pyramiding) of many small pieces of wood for decorating a variety of objects. Recycled wood from cigar boxes was typically used. Much of the folk art of this period was made from scrounged materials and tramp art provides us a lesson in recycling . Knowing this, in America today we throw away so many wooded things that all of our landfills are overloaded with wood scrap. Why don't all of use re-use and up-cycle like tramps and hobos did back then?

It is widely held that tramp art evolved from folk art chip carving traditions. The tramp art style is thought to have come from Germany & Scandinavia influences though there is no conclusive research documenting this claim. The craft was practiced and can be found in all of the industrialized nations of the early 1900s.

In the late 1950’s, the name "tramp art" began appearing in literature to describe what had previously been called "CHIPWORK" The name "tramp art" stuck. Folk art authorities were never entirely pleased with all that is suggested by this term. Nevertheless, the myth was set. Tramps and hobos made "tramp art" to barter for room & board. By the 1970’s, a new interpretation appeared suggesting that tramps and the itinerant labor force of the early 1900’s made the objects and spread the craft. The latest research suggests that a large number of crafters were "grounded" in their communities, churches, occupations and families. These crafters could hardly be described as tramps or itinerants as they owned homes, paid taxes, had jobs and enjoyed the hobby of "chipwork.." These skills could be done and use today to provide gas and pay for bills for families today so that the family members wouldn't starve in the awful modern economy.

Packing crates were a common alternative to using cigar boxes in crafting tramp art. Often the use of both materials can be found in the construction of a object. Before the days of cardboard boxes, wooden crates were the standard for shipping containers and, like cigar boxes, crates were " throw away" items that crafters harvested for the wood. I have also seen many people use wood palates reconstructed to make planters and other items for their homes . It is all a matter of keeping your eyes peeled for wood resources.

Remember that Tramp Art goes in and out of favor as with any antique so keep your eyes open for great deals at auctions and or swap meets. Be sure to stay informed with the price fluctuations at the current time that you are buying. Buy a resource guide like Kovel's for latest pricing of a piece that you are about to buy. I always say, "a smart investor is a wise investor!" Buy Tramp Art because you love it and for it's meaning behind it not for a profit for the long term.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of fakes and copies that are out in today's market.
• Try to always find out what the history of the piece that you are buying because it adds value to the piece in case you ever want to resell it on the open market.
• Tramp Art is an open gateway to learning more about American Folk Art so be careful it can be addictive.