Pijpenkop 1630 - 1650

This is the bowl of a tobacco pipe, made anonymously from pipe clay. It has a bulbous from and a stem to connect to a longer pipe, and it is worn and broken. These humble objects, usually slip-cast in molds, were once ubiquitous. They have strong associations with labor, politics, and consumption. They are tied to the history of colonialism, and the establishment of global trade routes, the economics of which supported the exploitation of enslaved labor for agricultural production. This pipe bowl is a reminder of the global trade and consumption that has shaped our world. Even a seemingly simple object like this can reveal the complex histories of making, labor, and power. By considering the social context of this object, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.