Fork with Mule-Head Finial

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Fork with Mule-Head Finial as metalwork (Italy, Roman · 375–425 CE).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

This fork served a utilitarian purpose as flatware in antiquity.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this metalwork as silver.

The museum's collection notes: This two-tined silver fork has a faceted handle that terminates in a mule head, perhaps a nod to its use for meat— whether cooking, serving, or eating. Forks from the premodern Mediterranean are rare, only known through a small number of surviving examples. Extant forks are relatively large and often bronze, making this silver example still more rare.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtFork with Mule-Head Finial

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