Spoon c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have a silver spoon crafted by Jacob Hurd, a prominent silversmith active in Boston during the first half of the 18th century. Editor: It looks so worn, almost ghostly. It feels like holding history in your hands, literally tasting time. Curator: Hurd's spoons were highly prized, symbols of status in colonial society. Silver objects reflected wealth and social standing. Editor: Funny, how something so simple, so everyday, could represent all that. The craftsmanship is exquisite, but also... humble. It's a beautiful contradiction. Curator: Consider the economic and social implications. Silver was a store of value, a portable form of wealth. Editor: I guess it's a reminder that even the smallest objects can tell big stories. Food for thought, if you will. Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to reflect on the values embedded in material culture. Editor: I'll certainly think about Jacob Hurd’s spoon next time I’m setting the table.