Spoon board, Bergen County, c. late 17 C. or early 18 C., chip carved, picturing a kas with three potted plants, three strips for 12 spoons, knob-like peak has a carved face, 24" x 8". Bergen County Historical Society
One of the most personal treasures made by the early settlers of Bergen County was the chip-carved spoon board*, a love token which a young man would give to the young lady of his choice. These ornamental racks seem to be almost unique to the Hackensack River Valley settlers, since nearly all known examples of them originate in this region. Fortunately, almost all of the boards are dated and/or initialed. With this help, we have been able to document their histories through marriage records which correspond to dates and names.
Hackensack Valley spoon racks are simple backboards with three ledges usually pierced to insert a dozen spoon handles. These jackknife relics of the delightful custom of giving handmade emblems were made to speak the donor's affections. After the marriage, it can be assumed a spoon was given each time a child was christened (a custom that still survives in many families). The spoon rack then became a family record and the object of great pride, much as a bible or fraktur. The twelve openings for spoons indicate the hoped for size of families in olden times.
Ornamentation consists of carved roundels and geometric devices covering the entire surface. A six-lobed star, actually a stylized open tulip, is the most common motif. Pinwheels represent the Wheel of Life and the Wheel of Fortune. Such rotating devices, no doubt inspired by the sun and the revolving seasons, are fertility symbols common to many primitive agricultural societies. Occasionally, scenic panels or mythical figures were introduced.
The lag in time between the date of the token and the actual marriage indicates that customs varied as to the appropriate occasion for presenting a carved token. Some were obviously wooden valentines which indicated a suitor's intentions. Its acceptance probably indicated a reciprocal interest and a courtship ensued. These tokens were also used as a confirmatory gift at the time of betrothal. According to prenuptial contracts, a prospective groom was given a specified time, usually a year, in which to accumulate the necessary estate to maintain his bride according to her expectations. This long engagement would also explain the spoon boards predating marriage.
Sometimes, the entire board was painted, with bottle green being the most frequent choice of color. Occasionally, the design was emphasized by painting the incised pattern. Bright active colors, such as yellow, red, white and orange were chosen. The base of the board was usually lobed or had lathe-turned knobs inserted. Through color and design, what could have been merely a mundane and utilitarian object also served as a sentimental and ornamental family treasure for a suitor and his prospective bride. Even today, the fanciful spoon boards intrigue us with their enduring charm.
*The Dutch term "lepel borties" may be translated as either spoon board, rack or holder.
Visit our website to see 3 other BCHS Spoon Boards.
http://www.bergencountyhistory.org/Pages/BCHSspoonboard.htmlSpoon Boards
Written and researched by Kevin Wright
