An adaptive observer is proposed to estimate the synaptic distribution between neurons asymptotically from the measurement of a part of the neuronal activity and a delayed neural field evolution model. The convergence of the observer is proved under a persistency of excitation condition. Then, the observer is used to derive a feedback law ensuring asymptotic stabilization of the neural fields. Finally, the feedback law is modified to ensure simultaneously practical stabilization of the neural fields and asymptotic convergence of the observer under additional restrictions on the system. Numerical simulations confirm the relevance of the approach.