Ancient Near East, Holyland, Judea, Iron Age II, ca. 8th century BCE. A fabulous stone mortar and pestle from ancient Judea! Sitting upon 3 triangular legs, the mortar presents a broad rim and a shallow basin with a silky smooth surface from years of use. Alternatively, the pestle exhibits an ovoid form that fits perfectly into one's palm. Note how one side of the pestle is also smoothed down from years of pulverizing. The mortar and pestle are among mankind's oldest implements, used for preparation of food, medicines, pigments, unguents, and incense. Size of larger: 7.7" Diameter x 2.5" H (19.6 cm x 6.4 cm)

Cf. the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, accession number 1967-2239, 1967-2240.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#177373

Small chips to rim of mortar. Expected nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age and use, but otherwise intact and excellent. Nice signs of use on interior. Modern red cloth taped to leg.