Final answer:
Pennsylvania Dutch furniture was crafted by German settlers, known for incorporating colorful folk art and hex signs into their work. These artisans used a variety of local woods and adopted traditional European styles, adapting them into their distinct creations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pennsylvania Dutch furniture was primarily crafted by German settlers, which is answer option (b). These artisans were known for creating colorful folk art and intricate designs, including those on hex signs, a distinctive form of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. Furniture crafted by these skilled individuals was a product of the cultural heritage they brought with them to the New World and the available natural resources like oak, mahogany, cherry, and pine. Cabinetmakers and craftsmen in the colonies were indispensable, producing a range of furniture from simple, utilitarian pieces to more decorative and finely crafted items for wealthier clients. Traditional English and French designs influenced early colonial furniture, but over time, craftsmen developed their unique styles, blending cultural influences and local materials.