"Commons" Teaspoon (one of a set of two) c. 1825

Curator: This is one of a pair of teaspoons, titled "Commons," crafted by Moses Morse, who was born in 1813 and died very young, at just seventeen years old. Editor: It's fascinating how such a mundane object—a spoon—can feel so weighty with history. The tarnish alone speaks volumes. Curator: Absolutely. Notice the seal on the handle—it points to a specific context. These teaspoons likely belonged to a Harvard student and were used in the university's dining hall, or "commons." Editor: So, this spoon isn't just about eating. It's a symbol of belonging, of shared experience within a particular social structure. It’s institutional identity made material. Curator: Precisely. The act of eating, already rich in symbolism, becomes linked to the rituals and traditions of academia. It's also a somber reminder of a young life cut short. Editor: Indeed, holding this teaspoon, you're holding a piece of Harvard's past, yes, but also a tangible echo of youthful ambition and the fragility of life. Curator: It invites us to consider the narratives we attach to even the simplest objects.