Dish 1780 - 1788

This pewter dish was made in the late 18th century by Joseph Danforth, a silversmith and pewterer working in British Colonial America. Pewter objects like this were common in households during this era. They reflect both the material culture of the colonies and the socio-economic status of their owners. While not as valuable as silver or gold, pewter was a durable and accessible material, marking a certain level of economic stability for those who could afford it. Looking at this dish, consider the hands that might have used it. In what ways can a simple, utilitarian object like this tell us about the lives, labor, and social hierarchies of colonial America? Did enslaved people eat from such dishes? Would their experience of this object be different? This dish serves as a humble yet poignant reminder of the complex tapestry of identities and experiences that shaped the foundations of American society.