Zunft zu Hausgenossen
Summary
The Zunft zu Hausgenossen (Guild of Hausgenossen) is one of Basel's four patrician guilds (Herrenzünfte), first documented in 1289. Historically associated with money changers (Wechsler) and mint masters, it remains one of the most prestigious guilds in the city. Marc Jaquet served as Seckelmeister (Treasurer) until 2022.
History
Origins (13th Century)
The guild traces its origins to the 13th century:
- The money changers formed a small society with defined rights and obligations in money exchange, silver trading, and handling silver weights
- They were under the supervision of the mint master (Münzmeister)
- In 1289, Bishop Peter I. Reich von Reichenstein confirmed and renewed the society of money changers in Basel, their good customs and statutes
- In this document, the money changers were first called "Hausgenossen" (house companions)
Name Origin
The term "Hausgenossen" derives from their direct subordination to the Bishop's mint (the "house"), distinguishing them from other guilds. This direct connection to the Bishop's economic authority gave them privileged status.
Historical Membership
The guild historically included:
- Money changers (Wechsler) and mint masters
- Goldsmiths (Goldschmiede)
- Metal casters (Giesser)
- Learned individuals (e.g., Felix Platter)
- Artists (e.g., Urs Graf)
Modern Era
Today, the Zunft zu Hausgenossen:
- Is open to all professions and social standings
- Maintains the Bärenzunft (Bear Guild) as its guild house
- Participates in Basel's traditional guild system under the supervision of the Bürgerrat (Citizens' Council)
- Continues to foster active citizenship and responsibility for Basel
Current Leadership (as of 2025)
According to the Basler Bürgergemeinde records:
| Position | Name | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Meister (Master) | Dr. Lukas Faesch | elected until 2025 |
| Statthalter (Vice-Master) | Dr. Caspar Zellweger | elected until 2028 |
| Seckelmeister (Treasurer) | Marc Jaquet | elected until 2028 |
Complete Board Member List
| Name | Position | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lukas Faesch | Meister (Master) | elected until 2025 |
| Dr. Caspar Zellweger | Statthalter (Vice-Master) | elected until 2028 |
| Marc Jaquet | Seckelmeister (Treasurer) | elected until 2028 |
| Theodor V. Burckhardt | Board Member | elected until 2028 |
| Philippe G. Fürstenberger | Board Member | elected until 2025 |
| Andreas Kuster | Board Member | elected until 2025 |
| Bernhard Lang | Board Member | elected until 2028 |
| Dr. Balthasar Settelen | Board Member | elected until 2025 |
| Wenk-Werthemann | Board Member | elected until 2028 |
| Dr. André Wiese | Board Member | elected until 2025 |
Historical Leadership
2019-2022 Period:
| Position | Name | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Meister (Master) | Dr. Lukas Faesch | until 2025 |
| Statthalter (Vice-Master) | Dr. Caspar Zellweger | until 2022 |
| Seckelmeister (Treasurer) | Marc Jaquet | until 2022 |
Former Board Members (2022):
- Thomas Wenk-Werthemann (updated to Wenk-Werthemann)
Guild House
Bärenzunft (Bear Guild)
- Address: Freie Strasse 34, Basel
- Name: Also known as the "Bärenzunft" (Bear Guild) after its house name
- Function: Meeting place for guild members, venue for guild meals and events
Marc Jaquet's Role
Marc Jaquet serves as Seckelmeister (Treasurer) of the Zunft zu Hausgenossen:
- Initial Term: Until 2022
- Current Term: Elected until 2028
- Responsibilities: Financial management of the guild, collection of dues, management of guild funds
- Context: Even after moving his residence from Basel to Cham (ZG) in 2016 for tax reasons, and subsequently to Alberswil (LU), Jaquet maintained his position in the guild and commutes to Basel for meetings
The newspaper article about his 2016 tax move specifically mentioned:
"According to residence regulations, Marc Jaquet becomes a commuter between Cham and Basel, where meetings and the E.E. Zunft zu Hausgenossen await him."
Significance
In Basel's Guild Hierarchy
The Zunft zu Hausgenossen is:
- One of the four "Herrenzünfte" (Patrician guilds)
- Traditionally ranked second in the official order of guilds (after the Zunft zum Schlüssel)
- First mentioned in the oldest surviving council seating from 1357
- Associated with the city's financial and banking history
Social and Cultural Role
The guild:
- Fosters active citizenship and responsibility for Basel
- Maintains Basel traditions in a future-oriented manner
- Contributes to the attractiveness of Basel
- Organizes social events and charitable activities
- Participates in the annual Jungbürgerfeier (young citizens' celebration)
- Supports the "Basel besser kennenlernen" (get to know Basel better) initiative for new citizens
Network Function
Membership in the Zunft zu Hausgenossen provides access to:
- Basel's traditional elite networks
- Cross-generational business relationships
- Cultural and social events
- Mutual support through "Zunftbrüder in Not" (guild brothers in need) program
Related Guilds
Basel's four patrician guilds (Herrenzünfte) include:
- Zunft zum Schlüssel (Guild of the Key)
- Zunft zu Hausgenossen (Guild of Hausgenossen)
- Zunft zu Weinleuten (Guild of Wine Merchants)
- Zunft zu Safran (Guild of Saffron)
Related Documents
- Marc Jaquet - Former Seckelmeister
- Basel Bürgergemeinde - Supervising authority
- Dr. Lukas Faesch - Current Meister (if documented)
- Dr. Caspar Zellweger - Former Statthalter
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