Carved Group: "Mennonites Homeward" c. 1939

Selma Sandler's "Carved Group: Mennonites Homeward" invites us to consider the representation and realities of marginalized communities. Sandler, who lived through a period of significant social and political change, approaches themes of identity and belonging with sensitivity. Here, the artist depicts a couple, presumably Mennonites, rendered in a style that simplifies form while emphasizing their distinct attire. Their clothing, particularly the woman's dress and the man's cloak, marks them as members of a community with specific cultural traditions. Sandler seems to be asking us to think about how identity is constructed and performed through outward signs and symbols. This carving encourages viewers to reflect on the complexities of cultural preservation, and the human desire for home, community, and continuity. It is a gentle, poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing the diverse threads that compose our shared history.