Silver Toilet Spoon From Roman Era Found by Metal Detectorist in Wales; Experts Declare Finding as 'Treasure'

A metal detectorist in the UK was able to find a silver "toilet spoon" from the Roman era. Experts have declared the finding a "treasure."

Roman-Era Silver Toilet Spoon

Metal detectorist Valentina Avdejevas came across the odd finding in 2020 while exploring the county of Vale of Glamorgan in Wales. Avdejevas then surrendered the finding to the Portable Antiquities Scheme for Wales, which is a local authority that directly works with metal detectorists who were able to unearth discoveries. Based on a statement, the Amgueddfa Cymru Museum Wales currently possesses the silver toilet spoon.

The narrow spoon, which is also called a Roman ligula, has a circular and shallow bowl linked to a bent, thin handle. It would have been used for scooping out perfume and cosmetics from bottles with long necks.

Due to the silver composition of the utensil rather than the usual copper alloy, researchers believe that it was used for extracting tinctures as part of medical procedures. This is possible due to the antimicrobial properties of silver, as it is known to be effective in combating viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

Other toilet spoons have been discovered all over the world. These include an ivory spoon with a falcon depiction from ancient Egypt. These discoveries shed light on the daily lives of individuals from the Roman and ancient periods.

Officially Declared as 'Treasure'

The medieval spoon was declared a treasure by Patricia Morgan, His Majesty's regional coroner for the central area of South Wales. This declaration came along with several other findings across the country, such as a hoard of Bronze Age swords and axes as well as a silver-gilt finger ring from post-medieval times.

Adam Gwilt, the Museum Wales' principal curator, explains that the hoard is odd as it has two sword fragments, with one being a fragment of a blade tip that has decorative grooves. Hence, the small fragment of the sword has a key part in a bigger story. It connects inhabitants of the Pendoylan Community to those from northwestern France roughly 3,000 years ago.

Since all artifacts were made over 300 years ago and because they consist of over 10% precious metal, they meet the standard for being categorized as treasure, based on the Treasure Act 1996 of the UK.

The spoon is set to be assessed by the Treasure Valuation Committee to know its fair market value. It will then be available for purchase.

The finding also counts as a treasure in a different sense. According to Museum Wales, it contributes crucial archaeological proof of Roman western Britain's personal hygiene practices and medical knowledge.

Soon, the silver Roman spoon, Bronze Age items, and other described treasures will arrive at other institutions. Different museums across Wales have expressed interest in acquiring the artifact collection.

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