KNIVES AND FORKS

[identity]

hello,
is it safe to assume that the knife and fork were a european invention ( as instruments for eating at least). how far back can this custom be traced? did europeans eat with their fingers at some point in time?

[Jackson]

I know knives had been used for eating since roman times at least, the fork is probably more recent. Although i know in the 17th/18th century they had invented a form of spork (a fork with a spoon on one edge), so it's safe to assume forks were used before then, by some people at least.

[Caismeachd]

Forks were in use in China way back before they switched to chopsticks. They are rather ancient designs. Knives are likewise an ancient invention. You would think that when people became civilized enough to prepare meals for large groups that they would create tools to ease eating. It's interesting to think about hygiene though and how it may be relevant. If people took having dirty hands in consideration or not. Probably not.

[identity]

and the other conventions about food in the west? for example wearing a tuxedo/dinner jacket at formal dinners ?