-Large Statue of Liberty- still bank c. 1911 - 1932

This -Large Statue of Liberty- still bank was created by Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Co. Sometime between 1890 and 1950, using cast iron. Consider the layers of meaning embedded in this object. The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France, was intended as a symbol of enlightenment, freedom, and the welcoming of immigrants to American shores. But how did this ideal square with the realities of the time? This cast-iron replica raises questions about who gets to participate in the promise of America. Given the historical context of its production, during periods of intense immigration, labor struggles, and racial segregation, this small statue becomes a poignant reflection on the complexities of American identity. This object invites us to reflect on whether liberty and justice were, and are, truly accessible to all.