Through exploring protective objects, it becomes clear that some things are universally valued. Our families, our livelihoods and belongings, our bodies and souls – humans across cultures and time have devised innovative and varied ways of keeping them safe.

Value can be a deeply personal concept as we have opportunities to decide what is valuable and worth saving. Our identity is shaped by what we protect and how we choose to accomplish this protection.

How we think of protection changes over time and with our life experiences. Having a child might shift someone's focus from protecting themselves to a more altruistic outlook. There is no easy answer to the question of why we protect, every person must find their own reasons. What is yours?