Prikking vastgeregen op een dubbele lap katoen en met traceerdraden voor het maken van een deel van een kraag van naaldkant c. 1915s

This is "Pricking laced on a double piece of cotton and with tracing threads for making part of a collar of needle lace," created by a Belgian internee from Village Elisabeth in Amersfoort. During the First World War, the Netherlands remained neutral, becoming a refuge for Belgian civilians fleeing the conflict. While sheltered there, many continued to produce traditional crafts. This piece offers a glimpse into their lives, marked by displacement and resilience. Needle lace was historically a means of both artistic expression and economic survival for women. The intricate patterns and meticulous work involved in lacemaking provided a source of income and a sense of purpose. The presence of tracing threads on this piece highlights the process of creation, revealing the steps taken to produce this delicate textile. This fragment speaks to themes of identity, labor, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of adversity, reminding us of the human capacity for creativity and adaptation, even in the most challenging circumstances.