The Shakers
An utopian religious sect of the 19th century, also known as the “United Society of Believers in the First and Second Coming of Christ” in 1840 there were about 6.000 celibate brothers and sisters divided into 19 communities in Maine and Kentucky.
The unusual community is outstanding for the simplicity and essential quality of its customs and for the complete dedication to work and a type of dance from which they have taken their name.
The Philosophy of life is also reflected in their artefacts and their homes, furnished in a very simple style with furniture made by themselves. This was furniture in multiples, varied dozens of chairs, rockers, tables etc.
The ultimate aim of this production method was to keep the principles of conformity and equality which were the basis of their organization unchanged.
Today little more than a dozen communities of “Shakers” remain and their inheritance rests in the creations which they have left.