BRONZE SPOONS AND SPATULAE IN THE KAHRAMANMARAŞ MUSEUM

Abstract

Three spoons, a spatula, and a combined tool consisting of both a spatula and a spoon in the Kahramanmaraş Museum constitute the subject of this study. The tools were brought to the museum collection by purchasing on different dates. While it was determined that four of the tools came from the Göksun town of Kahramanmaraş province, the findspot of one of them could not be determined. The spoons were made of bronze and casting technique was used in their production. Additionally, forging technique was used in the production of the combined tool consisting of spoon and spatula and spoon No. 3. These tools, which have been preserved without deterioration in their forms in general, have been exposed to occasional corrosion and minor fractures. Of the tools, which have different dimensions, the shortest is 9.6 cm, and the longest is 18 cm. While three of the spoons discussed in the study are widely seen in the literature, the tool consisting of spoon and spatula is a rare find and only one similar sample has been found in the literature. The tools were registered as medical instruments in the museum inventory. In literature research, it is seen that similar samples are generally covered within the scope of publications on medical instruments. However, when the contexts in which similar samples were found are examined, it is seen that the materials were not used for medical purposes only. In the light of the suggestions presented in the literature and the context of parallel finds, it can be suggested that Kahramanmaraş samples may have been used for different purposes such as medicine, pharmacy, kitchen, cosmetics and painting. Based on the similar finds, it is possible to state that the tools were produced and used during the Roman Imperial period.