Schouderstrik van oranje moiré-lint met franje van gouddraad before 1898

This shoulder strap, crafted from orange moiré ribbon with gold thread fringe, speaks volumes despite its anonymous maker. The color orange, deeply entwined with the House of Orange-Nassau, immediately signals allegiance and national pride. But let us delve deeper into the symbolism of the bow itself. Throughout history, bows have been tied not only to adorn but also to bind—consider the marriage knot, a symbol of union and commitment. Here, the bow takes on a political dimension, binding the wearer to a cause, an ideal. The shimmering moiré pattern adds another layer of meaning; it evokes the fluidity of water, a symbol of both life and change. This is no static emblem; it is a vibrant, evolving symbol, reflecting the shifting tides of history. It reminds us that even the most steadfast symbols are subject to reinterpretation. It is a potent reminder of how symbols persist, shape-shift, and are continuously reborn across time.