Mortar and pestel

[Robert]

Salvete Omnes!

I am looking to acquire or make a small Roman mortar as would have been used to grind herbes. So far, I have found some pictures of what they looked like, all having 3 or 4 lugs at the sides.

Does someone have experience making these or know of a craftsperson who makes these?

[M. Demetrius]

Search for mortaria will yield some good pictures, and generally speaking, any potter should be able to make them. The pestle can be made from a hard wood stick. Don't forget the coarse sand or crushed quartz in the bowl. That helps grind up the herbs.

[agrimensor]

[attachment=3376]_MG_017112.JPG[/attachment]
Like this, (sneak preview Thermenmuseum Heerlen) opening april 12 2012 "the hands are mine the rest is authentic.

[Robert]

Thanks guys, but a mortaria is not what I have in mind, that would not have been a problem. For medical use, a true mortar was used by the romans, made from limestone of vulcanic rock.

[Cavok]

Hang on a Sec. Robert.
With respect Limestone is Sedimentary.

Do you mean Granite? or similar?
Granite is much harder to work with.

Do you have any photo's?



Cheers


Steve

[Robert]

Purbeck Limestone has been documented as the material for many mortars http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purbeck_Marble so yes, I do mean limestone. Marble is a metamorphic limestone, it has been changed by pressure and heat. A good many limestones, like the stuff from Treuchtlingen in Germany, are still used to cut floortiles etc from, The stuff is quite dense enough and can be worked more easily then granit.

The picture enclosed is from the House of the Surgeon in Rimini, for reference only. Do not give it further distribution. Smaller one is about 10 cm.

[Cavok]

Ok that is clearer.

I only live 20 minutes from Treuchtlingen so I know the stuff you mean.
Just wondered if you mean't Granite, Marble or Limestone.
Jura Platten are really fine grain limestone they even used to make printing plates from them.

I will have an ask around if anyone des that sort of thing.

Thought of asking a Gravestone maker?

Cheers


Steve

[Robert]

Yes, The Solnhoven plattenkalk, I have looked for fossils there for many years. Know the area well. We stayed in Schernfeld.

No, I would sooner ask a sculptor/artist, if I can't find someone who already makes them, I suppose. Most gravestones are large slabs :wink:

[Cavok]

I know Schernfeöd well.
I live near Wellheim.

If you use Sollnhfener Stone you may even get an Archaeopterix for free!


If all else fails my Niece's boyfriend is a stonemason....that might be a possibility.

Though some of the Gravestones you see are quite ornate


Cheers


Steve

[agrimensor]

robert why not go to a shop who sell granite or other stone. They might have some restpieces you could have for a nice price.

[Robert]

Well, because I am a blacksmith and not a stone mason. I had not planned on making one myself. Rock is not really an issue, as I could also use volcanic stone and that can de bought at a garden center :lol: