sherbet spoons (wooden spoons) en

Distinctive wooden spoons of the Middle East and North Africa, used for drinking the beverage sherbet; the same term is also used for such spoons intended for soup, rice, or pickles. Often having leaf-shaped bowls. Exquisitely carved spoons were a sign of status for the well-to-do. They were featured prominently at dinner gatherings, where they were the only utensils used. For drinking sherbet, the spoons were placed in ceramic basins full of the beverage, with their handles balanced on the side and their bowls floating atop the sherbet. A guest would drink from the spoon, then place it back in the basin for the use of the other guests. Spoons may appear in various sizes, depending upon the food item or beverage intended for consumption. The largest spoons were reserved for sherbet.