African American Figurines Art work and collectibles depicting people of different ethnic origins are much in demand. Many gifted sculptors have produced African American figurines for sale. These show the subjects in different situations, some poignant, others humorous and some dramatic. The hand painted sculptures are made to a high standard and add value to any home. The collectibles tend to come in series, to be collected individually or as a group. One of the most popular categories is the Jazz African American Figurines. This type of music can be traced back to the blues and gospel singing of slaves and work gangs. The 20th century began to the sound of Ragtime and New Orleans jazz dominated in the 1920s. The 1940s saw a music revolution with the introduction of bebop. These can be bought in sets, if preferred, of five, six or seven pieces. There can be an entire band playing on the mantle piece! The musicians are shown playing the saxophone, trumpet, drums, guitar, keyboards, and double bass. There is also a female vocalist. The medical profession is celebrated in another series and African American figurines represent the contribution made to this vocation. There is a theater nurse dressed in green scrubs, a nurse in her uniform, a male doctor with a stethoscope, a female doctor, a dental hygienist and an emergency medical technician carrying a medical kit bag. The armed forces are commemorated in their own group, depicting different conflicts. It consists of a navy crewman, a desert marine, a US Infantry soldier, a Vietnam War nurse and a Vietnam War soldier. There is also an army soldier sat on a sofa with his smartly dressed wife. The Legends series has a variety of subjects from different walks of life. One of the African American figurines in this category is Bill Pickett, famous for being the first African American rider to be inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame. His sculpture shows him posing with a saddle. The gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson is another famous face to appear. The figure of the 'Praying Slave' is not a specific person but represents all slaves. The Children Series shows children of different ages and in different situations. There is a little girl in overalls with a cat, a little farm boy with chickens, and a teenage girl in a pink shawl and Afro puff hairstyle. Graduation Day is celebrated by two African American figurines, one male and one female, dressed in robes and carrying a diploma. Other figurines include male and female preachers and church ushers, and African American Father Christmases and clowns. Summary Related Articles Related Sites