PEOPLE USE SYMBOLS TO REPRESENT THEIR COMMUNITIES, BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS, AS WELL AS THEMSELVES

To impress others, it is important to project the right image. We frequently use the things that give us the most pride for that purpose. Quite often, major natural or man-made landmarks are chosen, and we sometimes make them appear more substantial than they really are. Occasionally, we borrow the very conceptions others have of us to portray ourselves to them.

The mementos displayed here show that over time changes occur in what we choose as suitable images. They also reveal the conflicting, and often strikingly similar, ways in which we depict ourselves.

1. Fan, T. Eaton Company, Toronto and Winnipeg. (D-659)
2. Ashtray, cowboy hat, Medicine Hat. Hycroft, Canada, ca.1960. (F-4589)
3. Plate, maple leaf and beaver design. E. Walley, United Kingdom, 1856-65. (980.111.280)