Fragment tabakspijp 1660 - 1680

Editor: Here we have an intriguing object: a fragment of a tobacco pipe, dating back to sometime between 1660 and 1680. It looks like it's made of ceramic, maybe even wood, with a rough texture. It feels surprisingly modern in its stark presentation despite its age. What stands out to you about this artifact? Curator: For me, this fragment speaks volumes about the materiality of everyday life in the Dutch Golden Age. We see tobacco consumption – and its global trade networks – distilled into this single, broken object. Consider the labor involved in its creation, from the sourcing of the clay to the meticulous shaping and firing. It’s not just a pipe; it's a testament to a complex system of production and consumption. Editor: So, it’s less about the artistry and more about the economics behind it? Curator: Precisely. What can the remnants of something that was common tell us about production and access? How much would this cost? Was tobacco commonplace or for the wealthy? Think of this broken piece as a lens through which we examine the social stratification and trade routes that defined the period. It embodies the consumer culture of the time. Editor: I hadn't considered it in those terms. It is amazing to think about what an object of daily life can tell us. Curator: This pipe isn't precious in the traditional sense, and I'm intrigued by its lack of an artist or maker that can be attributed to its making. It shows that, often, these functional artifacts have so much significance and are often overlooked by the traditional art establishment. It almost challenges those "high art" conventions. Editor: It makes me want to research more on the labour of pipe makers from that era, a side of history rarely brought up. Curator: Absolutely! Seeing beyond the aesthetic qualities and diving into the conditions of production helps to broaden our understanding of history.