Cast brozen pestle and mortar, with a mascaron and their pestle, early 20th century. Mortars and pestles have been used for centuries to grind and crush ingredients. They were originally made from stone, but later made from other materials such as wood, metal, and ceramic. Mortars and pestles were essential tools in kitchens and apothecaries, and they were used to grind spices, herbs, medicines, and other substances. Please take a good look at the photos, they are part of the description. They provide a clear picture of the quality and condition of the product and they fill in any gaps in the text or correct any errors and are decisive for the description of the product.