Sugar Tongs 1817 - 1820

These silver sugar tongs, made by Joseph D. Chase, are a delicate relic of a complex history. Chase was working during a time when sugar production was deeply entangled with the brutal realities of slavery and colonialism. Consider the intimate act of using these tongs, and who would have been privy to such luxury. Owning refined sugar was a signifier of class, a status symbol that came at an enormous human cost. The eagle-claw design might evoke a sense of American pride and power, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the exploitation and oppression that fueled economic growth during this period. As we reflect on the beauty and craftsmanship of this object, let's also contemplate the ethical implications of its existence and the lives impacted by its use.