Belgische lansiersnestel c. 1800 - 1830

This is a Belgian lancer's aiguillette, of unknown date, made from cord, leather, and metal. Aiguillettes like this one were once purely functional, lacing parts of military uniforms together. Over time, though, they became decorative, a signifier of rank or service, and a show of military might. The cords of this particular example are woven into tight braids, and capped with metal tips, likely through a labor-intensive process. What interests me most is how these objects speak to the intertwining of industry, labor, and military spectacle. While they might seem like mere adornments, they reflect a complex system of production, rooted in both skilled handcraft and industrial manufacturing. They remind us that even the most decorative objects have a material history tied to the social and economic forces of their time. So when you look at this aiguillette, consider the hands that made it, and the world in which it was created.