McClung Museum: Metal

Steele candlestick from McClung MuseumContemporary Candlesticks

           My Interior Design class from the University of Tennessee took a lovely field trip over to the Frank H. McClung Museum to learn a little bit about artifacts from the Native peoples of Tennessee. The artifacts that I chose to specifically look at were those made of metal. I came across this steel candlestick holder made somewhere around 1777-1835. This artifact was more than likely not use by the Indians, but rather brought in by the English to the area where the Natives lived.

          When prompted to choose a photo of modern times that was similar to the artifact I chose, I began to think about the similarities and differences of the two photos (seen above). The candlestick holder from 1700's to 1800's was primarily used for light. The English might have eaten dinner by it, read by it, or used it to walk down a dark hall. The candlestick holders in the contemporary photo I chose are mainly used for decoration. Unless the power goes out, these candles are really only going to be used for ambiance. We do not need them today to live by. Also, the way the steel candlestick holder is made is easy to carry and durable. This is an obvious sign that it will be used, while the contemporary candlesticks are more breakable.