Dimensions: 86 x 44 x 21 1/2 in. (218.44 x 111.76 x 54.61 cm)
Copyright: Public Domain
This Highboy was crafted by Spikey Leaf Carver. During a time of evolving social hierarchies, furniture like this Highboy served as more than just a functional object; it was a statement of wealth and status. The intricate carvings and grand scale reflect the complex dynamics of a society where material possessions were powerful indicators of identity. While we may not know the specific experiences of the carver, it's important to recognize the skilled labor involved in creating such a piece, and the cultural values it embodies. Consider the emotional weight of an object designed to hold personal belongings. These are objects that are at once highly personal but also highly visible, presented in the home for the consumption of visitors. Think about how our own identities are intertwined with what we choose to display, and what we keep hidden away. This Highboy invites us to think about how everyday objects shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
Comments
minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago
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Recent scholarship has suggested that the carving on this chest was done by an unknown craftsman, now called the "Spikey Leaf Carver," as the spikey veins of his leaves run off the edge of the wood.
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