Sabel model 1912 met schede uit het bezit van generaal Van Daalen c. 1912 - 1930

Curator: Well, it's striking, isn’t it? So stark and silvery. An immediate sense of foreboding comes over me, even seeing it like this. Editor: Indeed. What you see before you is a photograph of the “Sabel model 1912 met schede uit het bezit van generaal Van Daalen”—a sabre from around 1912 to 1930. Let's break it down. It is mostly comprised of metal, which is forged into both the blade and its scabbard. Also known as sheath. Curator: I'm drawn to how this piece tells a story beyond its metallic facade. Ownership is crucial, knowing this belonged to General Van Daalen… The implications of colonialism are unavoidable. Editor: Absolutely. The metalworking itself reveals a hierarchy of labor. The quality and precision speak to skilled craftsmanship, the making of arms being essential for state and military operations at this time. Curator: Consider also the role of objects in perpetuating ideologies. The sheen, the idealized form of this weapon normalizes, perhaps even celebrates, violence. What sociopolitical statements were intended? Or perhaps, even unconsciously integrated in this period? Editor: Definitely. What does it mean to classify a weapon as realism? Are we saying that warfare is a representation of real life? Can we even categorize warfare or violence to one genre? Curator: Exactly, violence in itself has different faces and expressions to many and the idea of showcasing it in an open forum is problematic in many respects. Editor: Right, while objects can possess immense artistic value, their value shouldn’t outweigh its cultural repercussions. Curator: Food for thought on an object intended for such action. Editor: Without a doubt. Something seemingly static carries multitudes.