Grinding slab

The topic of Grinding slab is one that has generated interest and debate over the years. Since its inception, Grinding slab has captured the attention of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As society has evolved, so has the meaning and relevance of Grinding slab. In this article, we will explore the history, impact, and future implications of Grinding slab, offering a comprehensive and balanced view that allows readers to better understand its importance in today's world.

Stone slab in east-central California used to grind acorns

In archaeology, a grinding slab is a ground stone artifact generally used to grind plant materials into usable size, though some slabs were used to shape other ground stone artifacts. Some grinding stones are portable; others are not and, in fact, may be part of a stone outcropping.

Grinding slabs used for plant processing typically acted as a coarse surface against which plant materials were ground using a portable hand stone, or mano ("hand" in Spanish). Variant grinding slabs are referred to as metates or querns, and have a ground-out bowl. Like all ground stone artifacts, grinding slabs are made of large-grained materials such as granite, basalt, or similar tool stones.

References

  1. ^ Shoemaker, Anna C.; Davies, Matthew I.J.; Moore, Henrietta L. (2017). "Back to the Grindstone? The Archaeological Potential of Grinding-Stone Studies in Africa with Reference to Contemporary Grinding Practices in Marakwet, Northwest Kenya". African Archaeological Review. 34 (3): 415–435. doi:10.1007/s10437-017-9264-0. ISSN 1572-9842.