Kuipersgilde van Antwerpen, gildepenning van Han de Herde c. 1600 - 1750

This is a copper alloy guild token made for Han de Herde of the Kuipersgilde van Antwerpen, or Coopers Guild of Antwerp. The token’s circular shape is a reminder of the material's inherent form, shaped from a molten state. The inscription and symbols allude to the tools and products associated with coopering, the craft of barrel making. The process of crafting this token involved die-striking; hammering the metal between two dies to create an image in relief. The engraved image of a barrel, hammer and other coopering tools signifies the skill, knowledge and labour of its members. It is a symbol of their collective identity, and would have been important for quality control within the guild system. It's easy to think of craft traditions as separate from "high art," but objects like this make you realize that all making is specific. By focusing on material, making, and context, we can better understand the cultural value and meaning of an artwork.