Spoon 1667 - 1680

This simple silver spoon was crafted by John Hull in the 17th century, in Boston. Hull wasn't only a silversmith, he was also treasurer of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and responsible for establishing the "Hull Mint" where the first silver coins in the British North American colonies were struck. Reflecting on this artifact, one can't ignore that its creation was deeply entwined with the socio-economic landscape of early colonial America, where the pursuit of wealth and resources often came at the expense of indigenous populations and enslaved people. While this spoon may seem like a modest object, it represents a complex interplay of craft, commerce, and colonization. Eating implements like this spoon marked the rise of individual place settings, signaling a shift towards more refined dining customs among the upper classes. Consider that such an item was a signifier of status, a quiet emblem of prosperity amidst the raw realities of colonial life. It serves as a reminder of how everyday objects can embody layers of history, reflecting both personal narratives and broader societal structures.