Fragment van een kogeltang bestaande uit het mondstuk c. 1590 - 1596

This fragment of a bullet puller, now at the Rijksmuseum, was made anonymously from iron, using techniques of forging and filing. The rough texture and corroded surface speak to the object’s age and history of use. But beyond its physical qualities, this fragment invites us to consider the broader social and economic forces that shaped its creation and use. As a tool associated with weaponry, it reflects the history of conflict, labor, and technological advancement. The making of iron objects like this one would have involved a complex division of labor, with miners extracting raw materials from the earth and skilled smiths transforming them into functional tools. Consider how the iron was mined, smelted, and worked by hand; processes that would have required physical strength and expertise. Even in its fragmentary state, this bullet puller reminds us of the intimate connection between materials, making, and the human experience. It challenges us to look beyond traditional notions of art, and to appreciate the artistry and skill embedded in everyday objects.