<P> Chopsticks are shaped pairs of equal - length sticks that have been used as kitchen and eating utensils in virtually all of East Asia for over 2000 years . First invented and used by the ancient Han Chinese in the Zhou Dynasty over 2000 years ago , chopsticks later spread to other countries including Japan , Korea , Cambodia , Laos , Nepal , Malaysia , Myanmar , Singapore , Thailand and Vietnam . Chopsticks are smoothed and frequently tapered and are commonly made of bamboo , plastic , wood , or stainless steel . They are less commonly made from titanium , gold , silver , porcelain , jade , or ivory . Chopsticks are held in the dominant hand , between the thumb and fingers , and used to pick up pieces of food . </P>
when did chopsticks start to be used as eating utensils
in the Zhou Dynasty over 2000 years ago