Bundel pitgaren 1590 - 1596

This is a bundle of pitgaren, or hemp yarn, an anonymous creation held in the Rijksmuseum collection. The cultural context of hemp yarn spans centuries, deeply intertwined with labor, trade, and everyday life, particularly for women. Historically, producing textiles was a domestic task, often the work of women and children. This bundle, likely made for practical use, silently echoes their contributions. Consider the repetitive, physical labor required to produce such material and the knowledge passed down through generations. This seemingly simple bundle embodies a complex intersection of gender, labor, and economic history. It’s a reminder of the countless unseen hands that have shaped our material world, and the stories woven into the fabric of our lives.