The Chinese began using chopsticks about 5,000 years ago. At first they were used to quickly eat food boiled in a hot pot, but over time they were used in place of knives or any other instruments. They come in many different types of materials, and kings even used them in silver, but the most common material for chopsticks is bamboo because the taste of bamboo doesn't affect the taste of the food. Eating with chopsticks is quite a skill, but after learning how they are fun to use.