Tongs 1807 - 1810

These tongs, at the Met, were crafted by Paul Revere, a silversmith known more famously for his midnight ride. Beyond the surface of this refined object lies a complex narrative of class, labor, and revolution in colonial America. Revere wasn't just a craftsman; he was deeply embedded in the socio-political fabric of his time, producing luxury items for the upper classes while fomenting rebellion against British rule. These tongs, used for serving sugar, a commodity produced by enslaved people, speaks volumes about the contradictions inherent in the era's pursuit of liberty and equality. The very act of creating such delicate, ornamental pieces highlights the vast economic disparities of the late 18th century. While Revere's clientele enjoyed tea with refined sugar, countless individuals were subjected to the brutal realities of slavery. Revere's tongs serve as a potent reminder of the intertwined histories of privilege and oppression.