GIGANTIC MORTAR (40+ lbs) & PESTLE, Napa Valley,  Northern California

Mortar

Height:  5 ¾”

Width:  11”

Grind-Hole:  3”

Weight:  40 lbs  14.6 oz

Pestle

Length:  8 ¼”

Bottom Width:  1 ¾”

Weight:  2 lbs  2.7 oz

This astonishing stone assemblage came out of a barn in northern California, just outside of Napa Valley.

When the first white settlers entered the Napa Valley they marveled at the moist soil, the temperate climate and other natural wonders. Over time it was evident that the area had the perfect conditions for growing wine-grapes.

As fields/hillsides were cleared early farmers uncovered a variety of Native American tools.

Along the Napa River a variety of large stone tools were found—indicating a former large population of indigenous people.

Along the gravel banks, on the nearby river’s banks, the listed large stone mortar was found.

Somewhat crudely hacked from an outcropping, this large food “processing” tool remained in a local outbuilding until this site acquired it.

The mortar was used for crushing/grinding very large quantities of acorns and other plant materials.  Evidently the makers did not take the time to finely shape the stone “bowl,” clearly wanting to quickly get on with the laborious act of transforming acorns into “flour.”

The volume of the grind hole and the river location of the assemblage indicates it probably was a community grinding tool, rather than a family unit item.

The associated pestle is in a “tear-drop shape” although also fittingly large.

Multiple dings, cuts, chinks