© Museu Comarcal de l'Urgell-Tàrrega
Omeka ID 1185
Carrer de la Font 7-9
Medieval and modern

dentiscalpium

MCUT 4489

Object type
toothpick
Production date
1300 / 1350
Fabric
medieval goldsmith
Museum
Museu Comarcal de l'Urgell-Tàrrega
Culture
Medieval and modern
Discovery location
Carrer de la Font 7-9
Materials
copper
Township
Tàrrega (Europa, Espanya, Catalunya, Lleida, Urgell)
Technique
casting
Where is it?
Exposició permanent
Dimensions
63 x 6 x 6 mm
Description
Piece consisting of a straight stem with a round cross-section that becomes an oval spoon at one end, and a small sphere at the other end. The stem is decorated with a concentric moulding in the centre and preserves remains of a coiled chain. A piece of uncertain use with clear precedents in the Roman world. Some small spoons have appeared with tongs fixed to a ring dating from the second century AD. They have traditionally been associated with surgical, cosmetic or hygienic uses.