Spoons were used in the Eastern church for holding the 'bread' prior to being taken by the communicant and eaten. Within the Western (Catholic) church there were liturgical spoons but what were they used for? They are known from documentary sources but actual examples are very rare. I know of a silver gilt spoon of the 12th century discovered in England. The bowl has engraved on it a 'manus dei' (hand of God). Unfortunately the spoon is fragmentary but a liturgical use seems almost certain. Any ideas?