Weather Vane Finial c. 1937

Eric Mose made this copper Weather Vane Finial, sometime during his lifetime, 1905 to 2005. At first glance, it’s easy to appreciate the craftsmanship in this depiction of an angel sounding a trumpet. But consider its original function: mounted high, exposed to the elements, and pivoting with the wind. Historically, weather vanes weren't just functional; they carried social meaning. In agrarian societies, predicting weather patterns was crucial, and these objects took on a semi-sacred role. Angels, in particular, weren’t merely decorative, they were seen as divine messengers, linking everyday life to larger cosmic forces. To understand this piece fully, we’d look at the cultural history of weather divination, the changing roles of religious iconography, and the vernacular art traditions from which Mose was working. By situating this weather vane in its social and institutional contexts, we reveal its broader cultural significance.