Shaker boxes

The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing is a religious sect commonly known as the Shakers. Started in 1747 in England the early leaders were women. Mother Ann Lee had the most influence on the group. She called her followers to "confess their sins, give up all their worldly goods and take up the cross of celibacy." By 1788 the Shakers had become fairly widespread in the United States. Elder Joseph Meachan organized them into Shaker communities or villages. Shakers became known for their beautiful and simply designed handicrafts.


usfolkart.com



Traditional wooden Shaker boxes are oval and come in different sizes. The Shakers labeled them from the smallest a number 11 to the largest a number 1. They usually have a natural wood finish but are sometimes painted red, blue, green, or yellow.

The boxes and lids are formed from one piece of wood which is soaked in water so it can be bent around an oval form. The ends are held together with a swallow tail joint, so called because their shapes resembles a birds tail. The joints are held together with copper tacks.

Then as today the boxes were used to store everything from food stuffs to sewing supplies. Authentic Shaker-made boxes are hard to find but nice reproductions are plentiful.