Boatswain’s Call from the Wreck of the Dutch East India Company Ship Witte Leeuw

anoniem, c. 1600 - before 1613

This pendant is not just an ornament: hold it upside down and the pointed tail becomes a toothpick. The adjacent boatswain’s call was worn by officers on a long cord as a symbol of their leadership. Men in the 16th and 17th centuries wore this kind of practical item also as a sign of wealth, class, and dignity.

  • Artwork typemusical instrument, boatswain's call, whistle
  • Object numberNG-1977-201-W
  • Dimensionsheight 29.5 cm x width 12.8 cm x depth 3 cm