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Copyright: Public Domain
Michael Allison crafted this card table sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period defined by the burgeoning ideals of the Enlightenment alongside the stark realities of slavery and colonialism. Crafted from mahogany, the table embodies a paradox of refinement and privilege. As enslaved labor was used in the harvesting of mahogany during this time, this table is a quiet witness to the entangled relationship between commerce, craftsmanship, and exploitation. Beyond its function, the card table also serves as a symbol of social rituals of the elite class. As such, this wooden artifact prompts us to reflect on the power dynamics embedded in the everyday objects that surround us.
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