Casaccia, 15^th century

In the case of our delicately carved object we are presumably dealing with the handle of a knife.

In the Late Middle Ages one mostly ate with ones fingers. Hands were washed before and after eating. Liquid foods were eaten with a spoon from a large shared bowl. A knife was used for cutting up food or for picking up pieces of meat. Only in the 17^th century did the fork assert itself in Europe.

Dishes and cutlery were usually made of wood. Only the wealthy owned flatware made of pewter or even silver, with ornate handles. At the time it was customary for guests to bring their own cutlery set.