[Bonetools] perforated spoons

[S O'Connor]

Dear Clive,

 

Thanks for this.

 

The suggested functions of these objects have included hair ornament,
brooch, garment fasteners and curette!   Stirrers for some pleasant, luxury
or ceremonial liquid, given the decoration and delicacy of many of them,
would seem to be the simplest explanation. I wonder if you could froth a
milk shake or whip cream with one?  I shall have to make a replica and give
it a try.

 

All the best,

 

Sonia

 

Dr Sonia O'Connor PhD FSA FIIC ACR Honorary Visiting Fellow, University of
York

Post-doctoral Research Fellow

Archaeological Sciences

Division of AGES,  

University of Bradford

Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, UK

 

tel 01274 23 6498 (office) 5210 (lab)

fax 01274 23 5210

 

From: bonetools-bounces at listserv.niif.hu
[mailto:bonetools-bounces at listserv.niif.hu] On Behalf Of Clive Bonsall
Sent: 30 July 2010 14:45
To: Mailing list for archaeologists of the research group for the study of
object and waste of bone, antler. ivory and horn.
Subject: Re: [Bonetools] perforated spoons

 

 

On 30 Jul 2010, at 12:51, S O'Connor wrote:





Dear All, <image003.png>

 

Thanks again to all of you who had suggestions for what my 'rectangular
headed pins' might have been.  As it turns out they seem to the terminals of
handle fragments from Roman perforated spoons.  Attached are a group from
Victoria Cave, Settle, North Yorkshire, UK.  The terminals on a couple of
these are remarkably similar to my objects from Wattle Syke.  The function
of these perforated spoons is unknown but they are Roman, possibly
associated with the military and seem to be distinct to northern Britain.  I
know of examples from Newstead, Castleford and Dalton Parlours, and I think
there are some found in York but I've yet to chase this lead. 

 

I would be particularly interested to hear of any others.  Do they turn up
in mainland Europe?

 

Well, here's a modern analogue:
http://www.goodcookshop.com/sp/food-prep/utensils/beech-utensils/wooden-spoo
n-with-large-hole--beech--12/686

 

==========================================
Professor Clive Bonsall
University of Edinburgh
School of History, Classics, and Archaeology
Old High School, Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT
Tel: +44-131-650 2375/666 0262
clive.bonsall at ed.ac.uk
==========================================

 

 





 

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