Zoar Buttermold c. 1939

This is a painting by Fritz Boehmer, depicting a Zoar buttermold. What strikes me most are the symbols carved into its surface: stars, hearts, and geometric shapes. The star, a universal symbol of guidance and divinity, appears alongside hearts, emblems of love and life. Encircling these are geometric patterns, perhaps referencing the order and harmony of the cosmos. These images have roots stretching back to ancient times. The eight-pointed star, akin to those we see here, resonates with ancient symbols of Inanna and Ishtar, goddesses of fertility and war, signaling a cosmic power. The heart, too, has morphed through history, from representing the soul to becoming the emblem of romantic love we know today. These motifs, etched into a humble buttermold, become a potent reminder of how symbols carry cultural memory. Their presence speaks to our deepest desires for connection. They echo through time, reminding us that even in daily life, we seek meaning and connection.