Herring Cart (haringkarretje)

Significance

Souvenir, home made with jigsaw, celebrating Dutch national delicacy. These carts are seen in streets and markets throughout the Netherlands during herring season.

Physical description

Balsa wood model of a herring cart with 2 spoked wheels. Main body has two compartments covered with circular lids, surmounted by rack holding 3 herring barrels in the Dutch national colours of red ,white and blue. At top of rack a fish-shaped advertising salt and sour herrings. Main body also has a support at both ends and a handle for pushing the cart. At other end is preparation area with a hole for discarding fish waste into the bucket which is hanging below. A checked tea towel hangs off the preparation area. Next to the cart is white pot with a lid possibly for holding chopped onions.

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