Tongs 1797 - 1800

These silver tongs were crafted by Thomas Underhill, an American silversmith active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Such an object speaks volumes about the rituals of social life in Underhill's time, the importance of tea, and the development of a culture of refinement within the middle classes. Silver was a precious material, so such a tool would have symbolized the wealth of its owner. The tongs’ ornate decorations also reflect the aesthetic preferences of a society increasingly focused on displaying its economic and cultural capital. Historians can examine inventories, wills, and merchant records to understand the circulation of such objects within 18th-century society. By studying the material culture of the past, we gain insights into the values and aspirations of the people who created and used these items.