Sugar hammer c. 20th century

This is a sugar hammer made by the Tuareg people. Now, when you think of a hammer, you usually think of a tool for construction, something heavy and sturdy, but this one is made for something sweet. The hammer is crafted from a silvery metal, perhaps silver or a similar alloy, and its surface is smooth and reflective. The craftsmanship is impressive, with small details etched into the metal. Look closely at the head of the hammer, those textured flat planes that form a cross shape. These little gestures are not just about decoration; they’re about making something functional beautiful. The hammer is a reminder that art can be found in the everyday. It’s kind of like Duchamp and his readymades. The idea that anything can be art if we give it the attention and intention. I like thinking about the hammer as a way to break down not just sugar, but also the barriers between art and life.