Fragment of a Ship Flag 1606 - 1700

This fragment of a ship flag, made by an anonymous maker, presents us with a compelling, if incomplete, narrative. Its materiality speaks volumes; the worn fabric and faded colors hint at a life exposed to the elements, battles fought, and voyages undertaken. Flags are potent symbols of national identity, and this particular flag evokes questions about the relationship between nationhood, trade, and colonial expansion. Its design, reminiscent of maritime flags from the age of exploration, brings to mind the complex histories of global exchange, the exploitation of resources, and the displacement of peoples. Who created this flag, and under what conditions? What stories did it witness, and what ideologies did it represent? Standing before this fragment, we are invited to consider the human cost of these histories, reflecting on themes of power, representation, and the legacies of colonialism that continue to shape our world. We must reflect on the stories of both pride and suffering that a flag like this may have represented.