Roman, later Imperial Period, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. A shallow spoon made from a high silver alloy, known as a cochlearium in Latin. The bowl is shaped like a rounded flask in cross section, 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. Size: 1.05" W x 7.15" H (2.7 cm x 18.2 cm); 21.3 grams

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection

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#133053

Slight bending to form, with patina on surface. Light scratching commensurate with age.