The Twin Pinnacles c. 1875

Curator: John K. Hillers took this stereograph, called "The Twin Pinnacles," sometime in the late 19th century. Editor: The stark contrast between the pinnacles and the rough landscape gives this a very primordial feel, doesn't it? The yellow cardboard screams victorian novelty. Curator: Absolutely, and the twin format would have been quite popular. Notice the way the rocks seem to mirror each other, invoking a sense of balance and duality that resonates across cultures. Editor: I'm thinking about the labor involved in producing these, the mining of the silver, the making of the paper. How these were then distributed, consumed as parlor entertainment. Curator: That's fascinating! For me, it's a reminder of how symbols like these natural formations can carry profound, enduring meaning. Editor: Indeed. An intriguing artifact that gives us insight into both geological forms and social forces at play.