justmesue Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I got some Clare Bell brass items as part of a grabbag.What is a mortar and pestal used for? I have this cute little brass pot thingy and a brass thing that looks like a bat sits inside it. I went to a mini sight, and it's listed as a mortar and pestal, but for the life of me I'm clueless as to what it is. Not knowing what it is, leaves me not knowing where in the dollhouse I'm supposed to display it. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Lots of things! They used to use them to grind medicines long ago, herbalists use them, and in Mexico, they have neat stone ones they use to grind corn meal for tortillas. PS-the ones in Mexico have been around since the beginning of time, I think, and are usually made of a very coarse stone that helps with the grinding process. The American Indians had them, usually a big flat rock for the bowl part and a long rounded rock almost like a rolling pin. They would use them so long and so much that the flat rock would develop a slight depression like a bowl. We have an Indian campsite and cave paintings on the farm, and they found a beautiful pounding rock there once. The museum at Tech has it now, though. I guess mortar and pestle sets are one of the earliest kitchen utensils! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jo Med Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Mainly used nowadays for grinding spices - still quite common over here. Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wenlaine Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I recently saw these on the counter of Herbie's drug store. I thought they were used to grind down pills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynette Smith Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 An old apothecary a la Romeo and Juliet too. Also great in a wizard's workshop. Nice find! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenannediva Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Here is wikipedia's description, although everyone has pretty well covered the bases. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortar_and_pestle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I love mortars and pestals! I've got several tucked around here and there in my dollhouses. I have to real life sized, one in my kitchen and another that I use for herbs and such. My favorite is made from marble because it has such a nice weight and balance to it. Deb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollhouse lady Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 hello to all do anyone of you know of a book that has miniature makers marks . i have this book for s moment i thought she was looking for a marks . it is so interestig . very thick but i have so piece that have marks on them. so of anyone does nothave this book i would glad to help anyone look up marks on the bottom of you pece si am glad your gettng help . jane :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justmesue Posted August 6, 2009 Author Share Posted August 6, 2009 Thanks Gang. I guess the item should go to Gramma Mary in the log cabin. Seems she could use it in her kitchen. Grampa Moses had previously claimed the spitoon. That one I had figured out. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uppitycats Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Yes, mortars and pestles (sp?) are very handy in the kitchen for grinding things like rosemary seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, or grinding dried herbs, or combining herbs and spices into a fine powder or paste. I have a larger one (about 6 oz capacity) and a smaller one, both of which I use all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I love my big marble morter & pestle! They get a workout whenever I'm making pesto or curry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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