-Columbia- still bank 1893

This still bank, titled "Columbia", was created by the Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Co. The bank's architectural form, complete with a domed roof and classical details, speaks of stability and permanence. Its monochrome palette accentuates the object’s structure; the use of cast iron gives the bank a solid, weighty presence, evoking notions of security. The architectural style can be interpreted as a signifier of American ideals of democracy. It functions as a symbol of institutions designed to safeguard and manage collective resources, while also prompting reflection on the relationship between commerce, governance, and cultural values in shaping societal structures. Note the signs of wear which suggest a tension between its intended symbolic representation and the reality of its use. This introduces an important element, destabilizing any fixed interpretation and adding a rich layer of cultural commentary.