Pestle


17th century (Date manufactured/created)
Maple head and oak handle
This New England-made mortar and pestle was probably made in Connecticut and was used to grind corn. The mortar, made out of a hollowed log, was filled with dried kernels of corn. The pestle was then used to grind them into a coarse meal called samp. This type of corn meal was a staple of the colonist diet. While smaller mortar and pestles used for grinding herbs, spices, or salt would be used inside, this one was probably for use outside. Notice the decorative band painted or burned around the middle of the pestle.
HW1914.019a