Object Details
Description
Carved stone mortar in two parts. The bottom portion of the mortar has two projecting handles and a carved circular bowl for the product. The bottom of the bowl has a triangular patter sectioned into quarters and an open shaft or spout where the finished product can flow out. The second piece is a round carved donut-shaped stone which fits into the bowl. It has the same carved geometric pattern on the bottom. Turning the top stone causes the abrasion from the carved triangular pattern to pulverize the material and subsequently pour out of the spout. Urdang states this mortar was found in France and dates from the 8th century.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
ID Number
1991.0664.0142
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05695
collector/donor number
SAP 407
Object Name
mortar
Physical Description
stone (overall material)
carved (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
overall: 12 cm x 32 cm x 25.5 cm; 4 3/4 in x 12 5/8 in x 10 1/16 in
Related Publication
Urdang, George and Ferdinand William Nitardy. The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy: A Catalogue of the Collection
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
European Apothecary
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Pharmacy
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_994112