Rol met lila lint met één gerafelde zijde en drie zwarte horizontale strepen c. 1930

This is a roll of lilac ribbon with three black horizontal stripes and one frayed edge, crafted by Gustav Schnitzler. Though seemingly mundane, objects like this can open a window onto broader cultural histories. Consider the significance of textiles in the construction of identity, particularly for women. Ribbons like this were essential for dressmaking and personal adornment. The intimate act of crafting clothing allowed women to express creativity and individuality within the confines of domesticity. However, the use of ribbons can also reflect broader social norms and expectations related to femininity and beauty. The "guaranteed meters" printed on the label evokes a sense of quality and standardization tied to the industrial era, a time of enormous social change and upheaval. Something as simple as a ribbon reveals the intersection of personal expression, gendered expectations, and the forces of industrial capitalism.