Punt van vaarstok, met band en restje hout c. 1590 - 1596

This anonymous, 16th-century object, "Punt van vaarstok, met band en restje hout", is a part of a ship’s anchor, specifically, the iron spike used to secure the anchor to the ship. It's a testament to the craftsmanship and engineering of the period, offering a glimpse into the technical realities of maritime life in the 16th century. The object's small size (14.4 cm in length and 2.4 cm in diameter) highlights the precision required in shipbuilding at the time. The Rijksmuseum houses this artifact, providing further insight into the history of maritime technology.