Gedecoreerd spinnewiel van hout before 1887

This is an image of a decorated wooden spinning wheel, dating back to the 17th or 18th century. Its creator is unknown, lost to the vastness of history. Spinning wheels like this one were crucial tools, deeply entwined with the lives of women. In a time when textiles were handmade, spinning was not just a skill but a necessity. It was a task often relegated to women, a symbol of domesticity and labor. But what stories could this object tell us about these women? What were their experiences, their dreams, their struggles? Did it bring them pleasure or was it a monotonous and demanding task? This image offers a glimpse into a past, a world where everyday objects held immense significance in shaping lives and communities. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those who often remain unseen in history.