Rolletje geteerd zeildoek c. 1590 - 1596

"Rolletje geteerd zeildoek" is a small, tarred sailcloth roll from the late 16th century housed in the Rijksmuseum. This artifact provides a glimpse into the everyday materials used by sailors during the Dutch Golden Age. The roll, wrapped in rough fabric, is a testament to the practical skills needed for seafaring, demonstrating the ingenuity of mariners who used tarred sails for waterproofing and durability. The diminutive size of the object emphasizes its humble nature, a testament to the simple tools that made voyages possible.