“Spoons, if not as old as the world, are certainly as old as soup,” said 19th-century French archaeologist Emmanuel de Laborde. It’s no surprise then that the Egyptians were using spoons well before Christ, and such was their importance that they were individually owned, being willed from one generation to the next. It wasn’t until the 16-17th century that metal cutlery usurped the wooden spoon’s place at the table, freeing it up to become the king of mixing and stirring at the stove. A poor conductor of heat, and non-abrasive for pots and pans, the wooden spoon continues to trump all other materials in its special kitchen niche.
Their manufacture naturally lends itself to artistic carving, and the custom flourished during 17th century Europe as young men signaled their amorous intentions by gifting the targets of their affection with personally-carved lovespoons. Today ornately-carved spoons come from all over the world, adding uniquely ethnic touches to the contemporary kitchen.
Beyond its culinary uses, the wooden spoon has also found its way into competitive culture, being symbolically awarded to the team or person coming last in a contest, is a (relatively harmless) tool for pranksters, and serves as a wonderful base for making children’s puppets. Talk about versatility!
