Iroquois Spoon

[Tom Dunn]

Kinda cheesy posting pics of a strangers work, I know, but I came across this, and I was struck by it, frankly.

It was posted on a traditional muzzleloader forum,and is described only as an "Iroquois style" spoon.:icon_scra

I have asked for a little background on it and similar "spoons" on that forum, we'll see what they have to offer me for info.

Carved from birch burl is all I know, and the carver lives in Finland, the Land of Nice Birch Burls, and very few Indians.

Whatcha think?

 

[ScottM]

Pretty wood Would have made a lot of nice pens. As far as a useful spoon :dontknow:

 

[Sealeveler]

Some nice grain going on.
Tony

 

[zapdafish]

Does it have something to do with muzzleloading equipment like measuring/pouring powder or is it like their version of a kitchen spoon? :dontknow:

Kinda reminds me of a fancy laddle.

 

[Trent Mason]

Kinda reminds me of a fancy laddle.

Me too. Very cool looking. :thumbs_up:thumbs_up

 

[Tom Dunn]

Does it have something to do with muzzleloading equipment like measuring/pouring powder or is it like their version of a kitchen spoon? :dontknow:

Kinda reminds me of a fancy laddle.

Version of a cooking spoon I believe. So far, my request for additional info has brought no responses, but I'll get them somewhere, "I've got my best people on it right now".

I filtched the pic at: http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/248453/

 

[Mike Davis]

I don't believe it is historically correct. More likely the fusion of Finish spoon making and wishful thinking with a nod toward the glorious culture of the Wild West. And yes, I know the Iroquois were in the North East.

 

[NCTurner]

I does appear to be a ladle, and here is some supporting info.

Fig 10. Wooden ladle carved in the form of a bird. Similiar ladles were made by other prairie tribes. Property of the Omaha Tribe.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/rare-iroquois-burl-treen-snake-head-ladle-aaca

 

[Mike Davis]

Your example as well as all the other Iroquois examples I have seen have a lower angled handle. The Finns like the high angle, almost 90° to the bowl of the spoon. That's why i say the one Tom posted does not seem to be historically correct.

 

[NCTurner]

That's why i say the one Tom posted does not seem to be historically correct.

10-4 You won't get any fight outta me on that one.:no: Was just suggesting ladle rather than "spoon." A hybrid it may be, but very nice wood either way.

 

[Tom Dunn]

Ladle indeed!
Best related stuff I've been able to find so far.
Gotta page way down for spoons and ladles......

http://books.google.com/books?id=rX...&resnum=1&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

[Mike Davis]

There goes my lunch money. :dontknow:

 

[CarvedTones]

Ladle indeed!
Best related stuff I've been able to find so far.
Gotta page way down for spoons and ladles......

http://books.google.com/books?id=rX...&resnum=1&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

Very cool! The one on page 168 is a vertical handle made by Iroquois, so I guess there is some precedence/relevance for the name.

 

[Mike Davis]

So it is.

 

[Tom Dunn]

Pure, 100% conjecture on my part:
It's called a spoon because, despite the handle, it's an INDIVIDUALS item.
Likely most grub that required it's use was cooked in a "communal pot" where each person would "dip" themselves some of whatever, and eat it directly from the "spoon" and the handle angle helped facilitate "getting down in there", as "the good stuff" is always on the bottom. I suspect "double dipping" in those days was perfectly acceptable!
If a similar item was used to put food in individual serving bowls, it would be a ladle in the traditional sense.

[BANANA]Or, I'm 100% wrong on it altogether![/BANANA]

 

[Dean Maiorano]

I love the education I get here, it makes visiting all the more worthwhile.

 

[IvanSahba]

It is an interesting angle for a spoon!