Mortar

Unknown artist

Carved stone mortar in two parts. The bottom portion of the mortar has two projecting handles and a carved circular bowl for the product. The bottom of the bowl has a triangular patter sectioned into quarters and an open shaft or spout where the finished product can flow out. The second piece is a round carved donut-shaped stone which fits into the bowl. It has the same carved geometric pattern on the bottom. Turning the top stone causes the abrasion from the carved triangular pattern to pulverize the material and subsequently pour out of the spout. Urdang states this mortar was found in France and dates from the 8th century.