A very fine example of an ancient Roman bronze spoon, with a ''fiddle'' shaped bowl and square-cross section handle with a flattened terminus. The offset handle is characteristic of Roman spoons of the period.
Ancient Roman - circa 2nd - 4th century AD
This spoon may have been employed for eating shellfish and the flattened handle would serve as a convenient tool to open the shells. Excellent state of preservation, with a fine dark patina. (Length: 140 mm – 5 1/2'')
Ref: Hayes, ''Greek, Roman and Related Metalware in the Royal Ontario Museum,'' Item 9 for bowl shape.
Eating utensils were uncommon in the Roman society – most foods were prepared so they might be eaten with bare hands, though knives and spoons were sometimes employed; forks are excessively rare.
