Pair of saltcellars 1724 - 1725

These small, elegant saltcellars were made by Mary Rood, a silversmith working in New York in the mid-18th century. They're crafted from shining silver into simple, geometric forms. Salt at this time wasn't just a seasoning, it was a symbol of wealth and status. Owning decorative saltcellars like these indicated a certain level of affluence within New York society. Their presence on a dining table spoke volumes about the owner's place in the social hierarchy. We might consider the broader context of colonial New York. The city was a bustling port, a place where different cultures and social classes mixed. Artisans like Rood played a vital role in shaping the city's visual culture, crafting objects that reflected and reinforced existing social norms. Further research into the economic conditions of colonial New York, the role of women in the crafts, and the symbolism of dining practices of the period, would add to our understanding of these objects.