Pine Knot Flare Holder c. 1939

This "Pine Knot Flare Holder" was captured by Al Curry, who lived between 1855 and 1995. This image presents an object designed to contain and display light, something that has taken myriad forms throughout human history. Consider the humble torch, a symbol of enlightenment and guidance that stretches back to antiquity, often depicted in the hands of deities and heroes. This image bears witness to a similar function. The flare holder shares an echo with ritualistic objects, such as incense burners, which have been used across cultures to create an atmosphere, evoke the divine, and purify spaces. Like these objects, the pine knot flare holder engages with the primal human need for light, warmth, and security against the darkness. It’s not just about illumination; it's about communal gathering, warding off the unknown, and the comfort of shared space and stories around a fire. In the dance of light and shadow, the flare holder becomes more than a mere object; it’s a vessel of our collective memories, flickering with the echoes of countless fires that have burned through the ages.