Roei-, steiger- en schuitenvoerdersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van As. Scheerboom, ligplaats Elburger steiger 1803

This is a guild token of the Amsterdam boatmen's guild, likely made in 1803. In Amsterdam’s maritime culture, guilds were more than economic entities; they were social networks, protectors of trade secrets, and keepers of cultural identity. The image of the sailing boat connects us to a time when Amsterdam was a global maritime hub, and its waterways were the lifeblood of its economy. This token symbolizes the intersection of labor and identity. It speaks to the pride and social standing associated with being a boatman in a city that thrived on its connection to the water. Consider the lives of the men who carried these tokens: They navigated the waterways, and their work supported families. This token, then, is more than a symbol of a guild; it’s a tangible connection to the lived experiences of Amsterdam’s working class, navigating not just the waters, but also the currents of society.