Wagon Jack c. 1938

This is "Wagon Jack" by John B. Moll, an image rendered with clear attention to form and material. At first glance, it presents a humble tool, but let us not be deceived by its rustic appearance. Consider the T-shaped handle at its apex. This form echoes the Tau cross, an ancient symbol of salvation and life, pre-dating even Christianity. We see this cross manifest in various forms across cultures, from the Egyptian Ankh to the staffs of Hermes and Asclepius, each representing life, healing, and transformation. Here, on a tool meant for lifting, the Tau reminds us that even the most mundane objects can carry profound symbolic weight. It speaks to our collective memory, a shared human experience where simple forms resonate with deeper meanings of hope and support. The image thus gains a psychological dimension, engaging us on a subconscious level with primal symbols of deliverance. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols and their ability to transcend time and context.