In Mexico, they are called metates. It's been used to process and grind foods for centuries. Primitive? Perhaps. Functional. Indeed. And, built to last.
This is one brought back to me by a friend who went down to Mexico. I had asked him to bring me back a metate (he was driving down to get other things, so I thought I'd ask). Had to explain to him what it was. I did want to use it for what it was made for (for processing and grinding food), but after I got it, I realized that this was made for the tourists-as a souvenir. It wasn't made for the functional aspect. So, it became a part of my yard art. Which, in turn, made for a great early morning yard shadow.
"Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see." (Martin Luther King)
Every week, a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted! You can view all of my 2011 Shadow Shot Sunday images on my Flickr account.
Click here to view them.
14 comments:
What a wonderful, interesting gift! I love it! And what a terrific shadow shot for the day, Paula! Hope you have a great weekend!!
OMG! It reminds me of my childhood. In the Philippines, we usually use this kind of tool in everything.
Happy SSS & have a blessed w/end.
/Chie
They use similar things in Indonesia. Excellent shadow shot!
We all seem conditioned to having bright stainless steel in our kitchens. It does seem that we decorate our kitchen with items that are more decorative than functional. This original food processor is not only solid, its beauty derives from its function. Amazing, the modern creature is nit the only ones to invent a tool for what is really needed...
yes these are everywhere in Mexico - too weighty for me to bring back - great shot though
the shadows just keep going!!! very cool shot today paula!!!
Wow, that's bold and beautiful.
My Shadows
Have a blessed Sunday!
First time here. Came here from Sylvia's.
You know, we still use these things, including a flat rough-surface stone, to grind things. Folks think this grinding of spices and mixtures, gives a better taste to food, rather than grinding in food processors.
And yes, I did lug my stone from my mom's house to mine, by train...:-)
An the native americans ground their food in boulders too large to move, I have one that was just barely movable, in my kitchen I have a mortar and pestle of marble and wood, one of stone would be wonderful.
Both the bowl and the shadow have a mysterious, tribal quality. I can imagine a lot of kitchen uses for one of these, though I've never used one.
In Zacatecas, Mexico (and other places) you can by chocolate metate--little cubes of chocolate that have to be ground, preferably with a metate, of course, and then made into a refreshing drink. Thanks for taking me back to Mexico, however briefly!
Befriending the Dark
I meant "buy," of course!
(Now I have to pass your word verification again. Dang!)
Hey girl, yup, a long time...I think about you guys everytime I see interesting shadows, but the time constraints keep me from joining in, I don't even blog as much as I used to, just too much going on, but it's so good to hear from ya.
I have a grinder just like that, I use it to grind my lavender buds for soap, or any other herbs, fun!
Take care old friend!
I have a 'normal' marble mortar which I use quite often.
Great shadow shot of your treasure.
Have a good week!
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