Washbasin from the Pädagogium

• Rostock
• archaeological find
• 2nd half of the 16th century
• Clay, glazed

People use clay, tin or bronze receptacles of this kind to wash their hands for meals. This wash basin comes from the Pädagogium at the University of Rostock; besides numerous other finds, it is a significant testimony to contemporary student culture. Located on Badstüberstrasse, the university has maintained this facility since 1428, tasked with teaching basic academic knowledge to aspiring students, especially Latin. The street is named after the institute in 1493, first mentioned in records as 'In vico versus paedagium'. The Pädagogium flourishes during the second half of the 16th century.