Edging c. 18th century

This length of handmade lace is held in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its delicate and intricate design prompts reflection on the time and care invested in its creation by an anonymous maker. Handmade lace once served as a status symbol, adorning the wealthy and powerful. Yet, behind its beauty lies the labor of countless women who dedicated their lives to this meticulous craft. Lace making provided a source of income, but also confined many to a life of repetitive work. We might consider the irony in this context: lace, often associated with femininity and beauty, was also a product of intense labor, made mostly by women, often anonymous. Consider the stories woven into each knot and stitch – of women's work, of economic necessity, and the hidden histories embedded within the fabric of our material culture. By contemplating "Edging," we can reflect on the complexities of labor, the artistry of the anonymous, and the stories that objects can tell about our shared past.