Stokvisverkopersgilde [?] 1614

This silver jeton, crafted in 1614, presents us with the symbolic world of the Stokvisverkopersgilde, or stockfish sellers guild. Dominating the scene is the act of hammering stockfish—a crucial step in preparing this dried cod for consumption. The hammer, the stockfish: these are not mere objects. They are imbued with the spirit of labor, a testament to the virtue of hard work. We see this motif echoed throughout history, from images of blacksmiths forging tools to peasants tilling the soil. Consider the hammer of Thor, the Norse god, a symbol of strength and protection. The act of hammering the fish connects to more modern interpretations of labor and industry, as it emphasizes the importance of production to sustain life and society. The hammer has transformed from an ancient symbol of power to an everyday object signifying human intervention and modification. The repetition of this symbol, in various forms across time, is not accidental. It’s a cultural echo, resonating with our collective memory and shaping our understanding of the values we share. This small token is a powerful reminder of the non-linear progression of symbols, and the cyclical nature of human experience.