Radslotpistool 1655 - 1660

This 'Radslotpistool' was made by Jan Moonen at an unknown date using steel and other materials. Weapons such as this reflect a period where technological innovation intertwined with colonial expansion and power struggles. These pistols are not merely tools of conflict; they are also embodiments of cultural and economic exchange. The materials used—steel, wood, and possibly ivory or bone—tell tales of trade routes and resource exploitation. As objects of status and power, these pistols were likely symbols of authority. Ownership would signify one’s position within a hierarchical society, reflecting disparities in gender, race, and class. Who had access to such weapons and against whom they were deployed speak volumes about the social dynamics of the era. Reflecting on these pistols, consider the human stories behind their creation and use. What emotions—fear, ambition, or desperation—might have been associated with these weapons? How do such artifacts shape our understanding of history?