Butter Mold 1937

Ethel Dougan depicted this butter mold in 1937, employing watercolor to capture the texture and form of this everyday object. The mold is constructed from simple wooden staves, bound by hoops, likely made by a cooper, a skilled artisan specializing in making wooden vessels. The choice of wood for a butter mold is significant; its non-reactive nature preserves the flavor of the butter, and its porous quality aids in releasing the molded form. The rings give the mold structural integrity to endure repeated use, exemplifying a vernacular design prioritizing function and durability. Notice the worn texture of the wood, suggesting a history of repeated use, and testifying to the labor and resources invested in producing a staple food. Dougan's close attention to these details elevates the mold from a mere tool to a symbol of domestic industry and resourcefulness, reminding us of the intimate connection between craft, labor, and our daily sustenance.