51/817

The origin of this stone mortar is unknown. It would have been used as a mixing bowl and for powdering spices and nuts, and the four bulges suggest that it was mounted in some manner.

1 mortar: stone; fair condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'The origin of this mortar is unknown. It is made of stone, and when used as a kitchen utensil, would have been mounted in some manner, perhaps in the top of a wooden block. There are four rounded pieces which bulge out near the top of the mortar every 90 degrees and which are cut off to lie flush with the top. These bulges probably served to hold the mortar steady in its mount. // It is 6 inches high and 12 inches in diameter. The stone is 1.5 inches thick at the top of the sides. // See also 51/434.', MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 51/434 – 'Mortars have been in use in England since mediaeval times. Bronze and brass were the most common metals used. Mortars were used in the same way as the modern pastry bowl and also for powdering such things as spices and nuts.', No Lavinia Smith No. recorded., Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 40 // Two stone Mortars // Lent by Museum of English Rural Life' (The other is 51/818)

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)