Medicine Box c. 20th century

This Medicine Box, of unknown origin, is an explosion of symbols painted onto wood, like a portable, personal billboard. I wonder about the artist. Were they self-taught, maybe working in a tradition of folk art? I can imagine them carefully building this box. The surface is painted in earthy tones, and a variety of figures, each carefully outlined. Look at the eagle, for example. See how it conveys pride and freedom with its outstretched wings? The American flag is also a strong presence, painted with a naive hand that speaks to the artist’s sense of patriotism. I love how they’ve used the wood grain as a backdrop, allowing the natural texture to peek through, giving the piece a raw, honest feel. This box feels like a container for something deeply personal. This box feels connected to a larger conversation about identity, belonging, and the human need to create meaning through images and objects.