Trailboard c. 1939

This is a rendering of a Trailboard by Beatrice DeKalb. The artist may have wished to draw our attention to the indigenous art of the time. The trailboard could be seen as an attempt to challenge existing social norms and celebrate the cultural heritage of marginalized communities. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations, offering a glimpse into the social structures of its time. The use of traditional motifs and patterns may reflect a desire to reclaim and preserve cultural identity in the face of dominant societal influences. The interpretation of art is contingent on social and institutional context, and historians play a crucial role in understanding the artwork's meaning through research resources. We must consider the socio-political, economic, and cultural forces that influenced its creation.