Flag before 1862

This flag was likely crafted by an anonymous maker, using a plain weave fabric, dyes, and hand-stitched details. The material itself speaks volumes. Woven cloth, traditionally made through laborious processes of spinning and weaving, here forms a backdrop for bold stripes of color. The dyes, whether natural or synthetic, would have required careful application, and the stitched emblems add a personal touch. Look closely, and you can see the evidence of wear and tear, suggesting a life of use and exposure. This material reality contrasts sharply with our usual expectations of flags as emblems of national power. Perhaps it was used in protest, in a labor dispute, or a localized conflict. The material imperfections and simple construction remind us that even potent symbols can emerge from everyday materials and labor. The flag challenges any neat division between art and craft, and invites us to reflect on the social and political context of its making.