Parcel Gilt Spoon c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have a set of Parcel Gilt Spoons from the 19th century by Frederick Elkington, currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. They're made of carved metal, and have quite a regal appearance. What social stories do these decorative art objects tell? Curator: Looking at these spoons, I'm struck by the intricate craftsmanship. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, what interests me is how these objects reflect the cultural values and power structures of their time. The use of precious metals like gold indicates a certain level of wealth and privilege. Who do you think would have used such elaborate silverware? Editor: Presumably, only the upper class had access to these objects... so do you mean it speaks about colonialism and inequality? Curator: Exactly. Think about the resources needed to acquire these materials. Whose labor went into the mining, crafting, and distribution of such luxury items? It is very likely the metal was sourced via exploitation from colonialized nations, thereby illustrating wealth inequality along intersectional lines of class and race. The very act of dining becomes imbued with layers of social and political meaning. Editor: So, even something as simple as a spoon can reveal broader historical narratives about the dynamics of power and exploitation? Curator: Precisely. How do you think this understanding of historical context impacts your appreciation, or perhaps critique, of the object? Editor: It makes me see past the beauty and question the context of production and ownership. It makes them far more interesting. Curator: And perhaps invites us to reflect on contemporary consumption and the inequalities that persist in our globalized world.