Handwerk met geborduurd blauw pijlkruid c. 1900

This is ‘Handwerk met geborduurd blauw pijlkruid’ [Needlework with embroidered blue arrowhead] by Aagje Tiket, made with embroidery on fabric. The practice of needlework has a layered history, especially when considering gender and class. Traditionally, needlework has been associated with domesticity, a role historically assigned to women. It was both a creative outlet and a symbol of a woman's skill in managing the home. Yet, it could also be a means of economic support for women in lower social classes. Looking at the unfinished nature of this piece invites contemplation on the unseen narratives and the silent stories of women's lives. The arrowhead motif might seem innocuous, but consider its symbolism. Is it merely decorative, or does it evoke themes of direction, purpose, and perhaps even a subtle form of resistance? This piece invites us to reflect on the intersections of labor, gender, and artistry in a domestic sphere. It serves as a poignant reminder of the labor invested in such pieces, and of the complex social and cultural meanings embedded within them.