Earplug c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have an intriguing ceramic earplug dating back to around the 15th century. Its anonymous maker crafted it into a compelling geometric form. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, on the surface, it's an object designed for individual adornment and perhaps even silencing, a literal blocking of the external world. But consider the wider context. Who had access to such an item in the 15th century? What did selective hearing signify within that culture? This isn’t simply a decorative piece; it is deeply enmeshed with social hierarchies and the control of information. What statement might the wearer have been trying to make? Editor: That's a fascinating point. I hadn't considered the social implications. So, wearing something like this could have been a sign of status or resistance? Curator: Precisely. Perhaps it represented a rejection of unwanted commands, or a desire to distance oneself from the clamor of the lower classes. Thinking about adornment through a contemporary lens, do you see connections between how marginalized communities use style today as both armor and rebellion? Editor: Definitely. Today, fashion can be a very powerful tool for expressing identity and challenging norms, like certain hairstyles or types of clothing being politicized. It’s interesting to see that echoed, potentially, in something as simple as an earplug from centuries ago. Curator: Exactly. This object becomes more than just an artifact; it's a portal into understanding historical power dynamics and enduring struggles for autonomy. Editor: It gives me a lot to consider; how even everyday objects can carry so much meaning. Curator: Indeed, it invites us to question what stories we might be missing when we look at historical objects.