Roei-, steiger- en schuitenvoerdersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Dirk Coerse, ligplaats Lange Brug 1759

This is a guild badge for Dirk Coerse, a member of the Amsterdam boatmen's guild. The small token, likely made in 1759, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of maritime labor and social identity. Guilds like this one played a central role in the economic and social fabric of 18th-century Amsterdam, regulating trade and providing a sense of community for their members. As waterways served as the lifeblood of commerce and transportation, belonging to the boatmen’s guild represented a certain level of status and security. The imagery on the badge – a boat alongside what seems to be a dock and the inscription with Dirk Coerse’s name – underscores the connection between personal identity and professional affiliation. The badge acted as a symbol of membership, marking the wearer as part of a collective of skilled laborers. These badges offer a chance to reflect on how individuals find belonging and purpose within the structures of their society.