Gewicht behorend bij de Zaanse klok c. 1770

Reyn de Jong created this clock weight, which belongs to the Zaanse clock. The Zaan region of the Netherlands, where this clock originates, became an important industrial area during the Dutch Golden Age. This period was marked by the rise of a wealthy merchant class and global trade, including the exploitation of enslaved people of color to produce commodities like sugar. The pendulum clock itself became a symbol of Dutch ingenuity and prosperity. Its presence in homes and public spaces served as a constant reminder of the precious passage of time and the need for productivity in a rapidly changing world. The addition of decorative elements such as the crown and angels reflect an attempt to elevate the pendulum clock from a mere time-telling device to a symbol of national pride and cultural identity. Consider how the measurement of time became entwined with the progress of trade and colonialism during this era. The clock is a potent symbol of its complex legacy, and its emotional weight.