Serving spoon 1774 - 1775

This serving spoon was crafted in the eighteenth century by Nicolas Collier. Notice the shell motif at the end of the handle, a symbol that speaks volumes through time. The shell, often a scallop, became a Christian symbol, associated with Saint James the Great and pilgrimage. Pilgrims wore it, signifying their journey and faith, drawing from ancient roots, linking to Venus, goddess of love, and birth. This appropriation reflects the ability of cultures to adapt symbols to new contexts, enriching them with layers of collective memory. Looking at this spoon, one might ponder how objects, even mundane ones, carry our hopes, beliefs, and longings. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to connect us to the past. The motif's progression is not linear but cyclical, resurfacing and evolving.