"Illinois" Plate c. 1878 - 1889

This plate, titled "Illinois," was made by Joseph Potter. This decorative plate invites us to consider the historical and cultural narratives it embodies. The central emblem features an eagle, a symbol deeply intertwined with notions of national identity and power, particularly in the United States. It's worth reflecting on how such symbols were, and continue to be, used to construct and reinforce ideas about belonging, exclusion, and dominance. Consider this plate as more than just a decorative object. It's a reflection of a specific moment in time, laden with cultural values and assumptions about identity. As we gaze upon it, we can ponder how it shapes our understanding of history and ourselves.