Clay pipes from the wreck of the Dutch East Indiaman 't Vliegend Hart

These clay pipes come from the wreckage of the Dutch East Indiaman 't Vliegend Hart. These artifacts whisper stories of global trade, colonialism, and the everyday lives of sailors of the 18th century. The pipes evoke the social rituals of sailors, who were often away from home for long periods. As a way of dealing with displacement and isolation, they shared moments of relaxation and camaraderie. These pipes provide a sense of connection to land and domesticity, offering a temporary escape from the harsh realities of life at sea. Tobacco use was also deeply intertwined with colonial economies and the exploitation of labor. These pipes thus embody the complex relationship between personal habits and the global systems of trade and power. Consider, as you look at them, the many hands these pipes passed through, and the lives they touched, both on and off the ship.