Traditional Stone Mortar & Pestle
Overview
The mortar and pestle is one of the oldest technologies in human history, and for the Plains Native people, it was an indispensable part of the daily household. While wooden mortars were common in the eastern woodlands, the stone mortar was the standard of the High Plains, where granite and basalt were readily available.
Uses in Ethnobotany
1. Crushing Roots
Tough roots like Echinacea or Biscuitroot cannot be efficiently used whole. They must be broken down to increase surface area for decoction or to be mixed into poultices.
2. Processing Seeds
Wild rice, sunflower seeds, and various grasses were lightly pounded to remove husks or ground into fine flours for bread and mush.
3. Pigment Grinding
Mineral paints like ochre (Wasé) and botanical dyes were ground into ultra-fine powders before being mixed with binders like buffalo fat.
Modern Recommendation
For the modern ethnobotanist, we recommend a heavy, unpolished granite mortar and pestle. The rough interior provides the friction necessary to grip slippery seeds and fibrous roots.