A Woman’s Possessions Should Include Herself

Women have been told throughout history that they are worth less than men. They have been, and still are in some places, considered property. It is discouraging and disgraceful that, in the 21stcentury, we still have extensive oppression of women and systemic sexism here in the United States and in other “civilized” societies. For my senior project, I want to address this but in a unique way that ispositive and productive. I have modernized the artistic form of the EuropeanRenaissance cassone (marriage chest), which traditionally was filled with items to help a woman succeed in her role as a wife. I have created my version to instead be a vehicle for positive messages to young women. The visual imagery and contentsof my Glory Chest are symbolic of what a woman needs now to succeed in a different role—that of a free and equal human being. My intent is that it will encourage and inspire the next generation of women to be true to themselves and continue the fight for social, political and economic equality.