Schoenmakers-, huidenvetters- en leerverkopersgilde van Middelburg, gildepenning met no. 20 1662

This is a guild pin of the Shoemakers, Tanners, and Leather Sellers Guild of Middelburg, made anonymously. In the historical context of craft guilds, these objects weren't merely decorative; they were symbols of identity, status, and belonging. Membership was often intertwined with family lineage, social connections, and even political affiliations. These guilds had a profound impact on the economic and social fabric of communities. They regulated production, set standards of quality, and provided a framework for training and advancement. Consider the intersections of identity and labor represented here. These crafts were overwhelmingly male dominated, so where were the women, and what roles did they play in these industries? This pin encapsulates a complex web of relationships, power dynamics, and social structures that shaped the lives of those involved in these trades. It invites us to reflect on the labor and craftsmanship that underpin our material world.