Animals provide rich heritage and cultural signifigance in folk art. People historically have relied upon animals for food and clothing so it is no suprise that animals would appear in folk art. Peasant art animals include both domestic and wild animals. Usually the animals are those most common to the geographic region in which the artist lives or is most familiar.
Domesticated animals include cattle, oxen, horses, pigs, camels, llamas, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, rabbits as well as dogs and cats. Dogs and sheep were among the first animals to be domesticated, probably for herding purposes.
Wild animals commonly seen include deer, bear, wolves, foxes, boars, snakes, lions, tigers, badgers, beavers, squirrels, jack rabbits to name a few.
Mythological animals such as Dragons, Sphinxes, Serpents, Griffins and other mythical monsters, also appear in folk art.
