« Springerle moulds as edible testimonies of military expertise »

Résumé En

Material culture researchers coined the term “foodways” borrowed from social sciences to refer to the individual, communal and societal engagements with food, be it through production, preparation, consumption or representation. Food is not only intended for physical nourishment; it is inscribed within a cultural system of meanings and ideals. In this regard, springerle moulds and biscuits are both lasting and ephemeral testimonies that can account for human experiences such as military ones from a civilian perspective. The word springerle is of Alemannic origins, from the diminutive “springer” meaning “jumper,” and designates both the moulds and the biscuits. Springerle moulds, made from clay, wood and metal, are found in Alsace, Germany and Switzerland from the 16th century and were also imported to the United States from the 18th century onwards. Now considered true collector’s items, they are mostly found in museums and in private collections. What makes springerle moulds so unique is their iconography as they display scenes from the Bible, but also everyday life subjects and allegorical topics. Among the themes represented we can also find scenes from military life: important battles, great figures, commemorations of victories, but also soldiers and weapons are commonly displayed. The moulds were carved for special occasions and handed down from one generation to another and are today valuable militaria which testify to the intricate relations between military and domestic life. The study of a few interesting examples will thus cast light on a little studied aspect of material culture from a military perspective.