Papkom c. 1725 - 1750

This is a pewter Papkom, made by I. van den Heggen. The word ‘Papkom’ evokes an intimate, domestic image of a bowl, traditionally used for feeding infants soft foods like pap. Consider for a moment the cultural associations we have with food and early childhood – nourishment, care, and the foundational bonds of family. This object, though simple in form, speaks volumes about the roles of women, who were primarily responsible for childcare, and the hidden labor involved in maintaining a home. The choice of pewter as a material is also significant. Pewter was more accessible than silver or gold, suggesting that this bowl likely belonged to a middle-class household. The ornate handles offer a glimpse into the aesthetic values of the time. We can appreciate how something as ordinary as a feeding bowl can reveal so much about the lives, identities, and social structures of the past, inviting us to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions of everyday life.