Cochlearium, Roman Spoon, Brass

Cochlearium, Roman Spoon with Round Bowl, Brass

Ancient Roman spoons are commonly classified in two main types: While the ligula (pl. ligulae) featured a rather generously sized, often oval bowl (also called head) and a handle with rounded end or finial, the cochlearium (pl. cochlearia) had a usually smaller bowl and was characterized by a straight handle tapering into a sharp point.

Cochlearia are believed to have been eating spoons. Numerous archaeological finds have furnished evidence that these spoons with pointy end (in many different shape variations and a wide variety of materials) were used as cutlery over many centuries. Thanks to their particular shape, they were not only used as egg or snail spoons, but also most suitable for many other foods and dishes. While the spoon's bowl was intended for gravies, desserts and the like, the sharp end could also be used as a fork substitute (like an eating awl) to pick small pieces of fruit, vegetables, meat and other aliments.

This reproduction of a cochlearium with circular, rather shallow bowl is made of brass and features a sharp end. This nice piece of Roman cutlery lends itself perfectly for Living History purposes and is a great addition to any Roman reenactor's equipment.

Details:
- Material: brass
- Overall length: approx. 14.5 cm
- Bowl diameter: approx. 2.5 cm
- Weight: approx. 7 g

Legal notice:
Not suitable for direct contact with food.