Primitive Metate and Mano Grinding Set View Watchlist >
- Winning Bid: $120.00
- 38 Bid(s) View Bid History
- High Bidder: Pinon33
Seller Accepts Credit Cards
Payment and pickup instructions will be available on your invoice (under "My Account") at the conclusion of this auction.
Lot # K202
System ID # 24976826
Start Date
End Date
4 Watching
Primitive Metate and Mano Grinding Set
A substantial basalt metate and mano set, carved and used for grinding maize and grains. The metate features a shallow trough-like surface with subtly raised sides, paired with a rounded mano that fits comfortably across the basin. The porous basalt shows pitting throughout, while the central grinding areas are smooth from prolonged use.
Comparable examples are known from Ancestral Puebloan sites in New Mexico and northern Mexican contexts, where volcanic basalt was favored for its coarse texture and resilience. Such tools were essential to daily subsistence, symbolizing the central role of maize in ancient domestic and ritual life. A finely proportioned and authentic example representing one of humanity’s earliest agricultural technologies.
Condition:
Good condition overall with surface smoothing, scattered edge wear, and natural pitting consistent with basalt. No major cracks or structural losses.
Dimensions:
Metate: 4" H × 16" W × 8.5" D
Mano: 1.25" H × 9" W × 4.5" D
Weight: 22 lbs 7 oz
(Campbell’s soup can shown for scale)
