An ancient Roman solid silver spoon (cochlearium)

Shallow spoon made from a high silver alloy, known as a cochlearium in Latin. Tear-shaped bowl with markings inside, and the handle dwindles to a point at the end for use in extracting snails or seafood from their shells. The bowl is joined to the handle by a curved, thick piece of silver. The spoon is a fascinating cultural object, often a prized personal item at a time when the average person owned very little; spoons made of precious metal were so highly valued that they were often listed in inventories of noble households. In fact, they were so treasured that cochlearia made of silver have been found in treasure hoards.

For similar see: The British Museum, Museum number 1981,0201.79.

Material: solid silver
Weight: 13.34 gram
Date: Roman, 3rd – 4th century AD
Measurement: overall: 142 x 23 mm
Condition: Extremely fine condition

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