Bierbeschooiersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Pieter van der Meulen 1687

This oval silver guild badge, commemorating Pieter van der Meulen, was crafted in Amsterdam in 1637. It is related to the Beer Carriers Guild. In the 17th century, guilds were central to the economic and social life of the Dutch Republic. They regulated trades, provided social support, and influenced civic affairs. This badge, featuring a beer barrel, is not just a symbol of the guild’s trade, but also hints at the cultural norms around beer consumption. Guilds often reinforced social hierarchies. While they provided opportunities for skilled workers, they also excluded women and marginalized groups. The use of silver for this badge underscores the guild's status and wealth. In a society deeply structured by class, such objects reinforced notions of status and belonging, making visible who was included and excluded from the circles of power and influence. The exchange and display of these badges served as reminders of the social order.