Oval Box c. 1850

This wooden oval box, made by the Shakers, presents us with the quintessential form stripped bare of ornamentation. But is it truly devoid of symbolic weight? Consider the egg, an ancient symbol of birth and renewal. Its presence echoes through time, from pagan rituals to Christian iconography, representing hope and new beginnings. The Shakers, seeking a utopian existence, valued simplicity, yet their crafts unconsciously resonate with primal symbols. The joints, meticulously crafted, are not merely functional; they speak to the dedication and communal spirit of the Shakers. Even in its austere form, this humble box engages us on a deep, subconscious level. The act of containment, of sheltering something precious, touches upon our innate human need for security and preservation. It is a vessel of memories and hopes, a testament to the enduring power of simple forms to hold profound meaning.