Post #418138 by Bongo Bungalow on Mon, Nov 10, 2008 3:17 AM

How did THESE THINGS get started? Are you embarrassed to have these as art of your tiki collection? Are they the ultimate tacky-- part tiki, part "country"?

Here's what I found on Wikipedia about the origins of decorative Forks and Spoons:

[begin quote]
As folk art

Wooden spoons have been made in virtually every nation on earth and (compared to silver or pewter or gold spoons) represent the ordinary artisan and reflect the life of ordinary folk: this is their "folk art".

Each region, sometimes each village, will produce its own very distinct style and type of spoon. Many African examples are carved with wild animals and are aimed at the tourist market; there are others that are ceremonial and contain much symbolism. Distinctive painted spoons have been made in the Khokhloma region of Russia for nearly 200 years, originally for domestic use and in more recent times as tourist objects.

Traditionally, the intricately-carved wooden love spoon has been used as a token of affection in Wales - see below 'The Lovespoon Story'. Each spoon could contain different meaning as shown by the use of various symbols, for instance: a chain would mean a wish to be together forever; a diamond would mean wealth or good fortune; a cross would mean faith; a flower would mean affection; or a dragon for protection. Many sailors carved spoons as they had much free time at sea on their long voyages, they would carve such symbols as anchors or ships into the spoon. Although the Welsh love spoon has its unique qualities, other styles of love spoons have been made in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, notably Romania.

In sporting culture

In some regions, particularly British-influenced ones of the Commonwealth and the United States, "wooden spoon award" is a booby prize for the team or individual finishing a competition in last position.
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So... makers of tiki tourist items perhaps chose to produce Large Tiki Forks and Spoons as a vehicle to sell popular stuff. "Decorative Forks and Spoons are a popular as folk art items, we want to sell lots of items, let's make tiki versions of Large Forks and Spoons." ???? Or did they begin as a tiki booby prize?

I have just one Large Tiki Fork, which is in my office... can you see it? Wood on wood; perhaps I'm subconciously hiding it.

[ Edited by: Bongo Bungalow 2008-11-10 04:47 ]

[ Edited by: Bongo Bungalow 2008-11-10 04:50 ]