Mitten c. 1936

Carl Keksi made this drawing of mittens using graphite and watercolor, but we don't know when. The patterns on these mittens are evocative of folk art traditions, especially those that emphasize geometric shapes. Knitting was historically a crucial domestic skill and even a cottage industry in many parts of the world. These mittens might reflect the intersection of folk traditions and commercial production. The level of detail suggests that the artist was very interested in recording these patterns. It may even have been part of an effort to document and preserve traditional designs, which was a common practice during periods of rapid industrialization and cultural change. The drawing prompts us to consider the social conditions that shaped the creation and use of such objects, as well as the role of the artist in interpreting and representing them. Further research into regional textile traditions, pattern books, and social histories of knitting might shed more light on the cultural significance of these mittens.