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

anonymous, 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

Identification

  • Title(s)

    • Boatswain’s Call from the Wreck of the Dutch East India Company Ship Witte Leeuw
    • Boatswain's call from the wreck of the Dutch East Indiaman Witte Leeuw

  • Object type

  • Object number

    NG-1977-201-W

  • Description

    Bootsmansfluitje uit V.O.C.-schip de 'Witte Leeuw'. Zilveren bootsmansfluitje of sifflet met draagketting. Deze bootsmansfluit werd als teken van waardigheid door officieren aan een lange koord om de hals gedragen.

Creation

  • Creation

    silversmith: anonymous, Netherlands (possibly)

  • Dating

    c. 1600 - before 1613

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Material and technique

  • Dimensions

    height 29.5 cm x width 12.8 cm x depth 3 cm

This work is about

  • Person

  • Subject

  • Place

  • Period

    1600 - 1613

Acquisition and rights

Documentation

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