Gin bottle

Square case bottle of jenever (Dutch gin), made of green glass with square slides sloping towards the base. The name of maker moulded 'V HOYTEMA & C' is moulded on one side. It was collected by Captain Bryan Smith from New Calabar River, Rivers State, Nigeria, near the village of Iba.

From the late-18th century, Dutch gin, transported in cheaply-manufactured blown glass bottles, was employed as a trade good. The shape made the bottles easy to pack and transport. Along with textiles, rifles and gunpowder, it was one of the most sought-after European goods. In particular, it was sold to coastal traders, who were important mediators in the transatlantic slave trade.

Object Details

ID: AAA2819
Collection: World Cultures
Type: Gin bottle
Display location: Display - Atlantic Gallery
Creator: Van Hoytema & Co.
Date made: Mid 19th century
Exhibition: The Atlantic: Slavery, Trade, Empire; Enslavement and Resistance
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 235 x 80 x 80 mm
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