postkundige

Postkundige is a term used in Dutch-language contexts to denote the study of postal systems and mail services, and, in some cases, the professional practice related to postal operations. The word combines post with kunde, meaning knowledge or science, and can refer to both historical inquiry and applied analysis of postal networks.

The scope of postkunde includes understanding policy and governance of postal services, logistics and mail routing, stamping and rate structures, and the historical development of postal infrastructures. It also covers the examination of postal artifacts such as stamps, postmarks, and equipment, as well as the social and economic impact of mail communication. Practitioners may come from fields such as history, archival science, museum curation, logistics, or research.

History and development: The conceptual roots lie in the emergence of organized postal services in Europe and other regions, with formal interest growing as networks expanded in the 18th to 20th centuries. In Dutch-speaking contexts, postkunde often overlaps with postal history and philately, focusing on routes, rates, administrative organization, and the material culture of mail.

Education and practice: There is no universal degree titled “postkundige” in most countries; related training typically involves history, archival or library science, museum studies, or logistics. Museums, archives, and philatelic societies commonly offer programs or resources related to postal history and postal artifacts, which can be pursued by those working in or studying postkunde.

Modern relevance: Postkunde contributes to understanding communications infrastructure, supply chains, and cultural heritage. It supports research, curation, and policy discussions about the historical and contemporary roles of postal services, stamps, and mail systems.