The term "
Cutlery" is these days most often associated with the silverware
used to eat with, however it can refer to any
type of
utensil.
Knives have been in use throughout human histoy, but the first type of
table cutlery used was the spoon, believed to have come into use around 5000 BC, and made of either stone or clay. The first metal utensil to be used at the table was the
knife, around 2000 BC, and at that time it was rare for a knife to be used in such a way. Forks didn't happen until about the 9th century, and they were more like miniature spears anyway.
During the Medieval
Ages people mainly used their fingers to eat, and a pocket knife or hunting knife might be shared around the table. Many families owned some cutlery, but they kept it put away for special occasions.
Towards the end of the Medieval ages eating became more of a social event than simply a necessity, and so cutlery became increasingly popular and silversmiths had a new source of income.
This has been a history of cutlery. Look out for the Crockery abstract, coming soon!
Published: October 25, 2005
More reviews about the Cutlery- A History