History of Spoons in Music

Here is a brief history of Spoons and Music:

It can easily be said that percussion instruments were the earliest forms of music. One of those instruments that are most commonly found and most commonly overlooked is something that can be found in anyone’s kitchen: spoons. Spoons have been existence since before recorded history and have been used in cultures all over the world as functional utensil.

As a musical instrument, spoons are classified as an Idiophone, or an instrument that produces noise when struck upon or shaken. Other examples of Idiophones include drums, gongs, and castanets. The most basic way to create rhythm with spoons is to hold two spoons in ones hand with the rounded part of the spoons facing each other. Placing the spoons between the other free hand and, (most commonly), ones knee / thigh, move the your hand up and down that is holding the spoons in order to produce a clacking noise.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly when spoons came into existence in the musical world, but it can be safe to assume that a makeshift instrument such as this has been an instrument of the masses for as long as the spoon itself has been around. The most common theory behind the earliest "spoons" is that they were made of common items such as sticks, parts of rocks and bones. These early forms of percussion laid the blueprint for modern spoons to be developed and used for the same purpose as they were used in ages past.

Bones have been an important part of the spoons history as many cultures believe that the action of striking the bones and creating sound helps to invoke the power that "possesses" the bones such as that from slain enemies, power animals, or even deceased ancestors. Prehistoric cave paintings show types of "spoons" or "clappers" that were used to produce similar sounds as a method of rhythm. Even the ancient Egyptians and Greeks had spoon-like instruments that were made of various materials and were decorated and used for different purposes.

Most recently spoons have been associated with Western and American folk music as they provide easy and accessible accompaniment like the jug and washboard, to any variety of instruments such as fiddle and guitar. However, musical spoons can be seen in other cultures further back such as those of Russian Gypsies that improvised and created almost all of their music from what they had around them. Spoons can also be found in Irish folk music, French folk music, German and Canadian music.

Picture of Russian Spoons. I'm lucky enough to have a pair. 

The picture from Ebay where I purchased them.

Typical other world spoons. Ireland, England, German, even Canada.