Trivet c. 18th century

This trivet, of unknown date and maker, combines brass, iron, and wood, speaking to a time when such humble household objects were nonetheless crafted with care and an eye toward beauty. The trivet represents the gendered division of labor and domestic space. Think about the hands that would have used it daily, almost certainly those of women maintaining the home and hearth. It stands as a silent witness to countless meals prepared, family gatherings, and the daily routines of domestic life. Consider, too, the economic status implied by the materials. Brass and wood handles speak to a level of comfort, a distance from the most grinding forms of poverty. This object invites us to reflect on the lives of ordinary people, their material conditions, and the social structures that shaped their experiences. It connects us to the past, reminding us of the labor, care, and social dynamics embedded in the simplest of objects.