Horn Spoon, 1800-1850

Horn was a common material used for kitchen implements because it was available on the farm and was easy to work. The gelatine in animal horns made it soft and easy to cut when heated. The horn was softened in boiling water, flattened, separated into sheets and then formed into the desired shape. The maker of this spoon chose the fiddleback shape, which was very popular at the time.

Fiddleback style
Carved horn
Gift of Betty I. Madden-Work, Springfield, IL (1988.38.10)

Food Preparation | Wood

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96