Heft van hout, spits toelopend met bolvormige knop aan het uiteinde c. 1590 - 1596

This is a tool handle, carved from wood, with a distinctive bulbous end, created by an anonymous maker. Lacking specific context, we might consider this object through the lens of labor and anonymity. Who was this maker, and what was their relationship to the labor they performed? Often, the creation of functional objects is not considered 'art', obscuring the identities and skills of those who made them. The smooth wear of the wood speaks to repetitive use, implying a daily practice. This handle’s existence prompts reflection on the countless unnamed individuals whose work shaped historical landscapes. It serves as a reminder to consider the value of labor, the identities of laborers, and the stories embedded in the objects they leave behind.