Stand 1800 - 1815

This small wooden stand was crafted by Samuel Dunlap around the turn of the 19th century. Notice the three legs that anchor it: a motif echoing the ancient symbol of the tripod. Throughout history, the tripod is a reoccurring emblem of stability and support, often linked to divine authority. In ancient Greece, the Delphic oracle delivered prophecies seated upon a tripod, a conduit between the mortal and the divine. The transition from sacred object to domestic furniture, as we see here, is fascinating. It reflects a democratization of symbols, where potent motifs from religious and mystical contexts are absorbed into everyday life. This stand, seemingly simple, carries within it echoes of ancient rituals and beliefs, subtly reminding us of the enduring power of symbols to transcend time and context.