Skewer 1750 - 1775

Here we have an elongated skewer, forged by Daniel Dupuy in the 18th century. The skewer itself—a seemingly simple instrument—holds layers of meaning when viewed through the lens of cultural memory. The earliest known skewers made from bone and flint, served basic culinary needs, yet the act of skewering resonates symbolically across cultures. Think of Saint Sebastian, pierced by arrows, or sacrificial offerings transfixed on altars. The act of penetration, of piercing flesh, takes on a ritualistic dimension, evoking themes of sacrifice and transformation. Even in its more mundane usage, the skewer carries a potent emotional charge. Consider how communal meals, with shared skewers of roasted meats, foster bonds and affirm group identity. The skewer, then, becomes a symbol not just of sustenance but of social cohesion. This humble tool, elevated by its form and function, reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols, forever resurfacing in our collective consciousness, their meanings evolving yet forever rooted in our shared human experience.