Block 1863

This Block was crafted from wood at Rijkswerf Willemsoord. Look closely at the way this pulley system is made, in particular at the eye at the top, from which a rope suspends the whole. The circular shape, the 'eye,' isn't merely functional. It evokes the ancient symbol of the Ouroboros, a snake eating its own tail, representing cyclicality and the eternal return. The eye that sees all. Consider this simple mechanism within the broader scope of human endeavor. Similar to how the Ouroboros encapsulates the universe in perpetual motion, this block assisted in countless tasks, embodying the endless cycle of labor, construction, and navigation. It reminds us of the ceaseless human drive to explore and build. The circle continues to be a potent symbol, resonating with our collective memory, a subconscious reminder of the universe’s rhythms.