New Jersey Indian Mortar and Pestle
Courtesy, New Jersey Historical
Society,
Newark, 1700
Click on image to enlarge.
These stone tools, a well-worn mortar and pestle, were
made and used by New Jersey Indians after the time of European settlement,
though we do not know where nor by which group. The mortar fits neatly
into the palm of a hand and the pestle, with its smooth, rounded ends, is
the correct size for grinding in the mortar. The mortar and pestle are too
small to be practical for grinding grain, but Lenape women may have used
these implements in making medicines to use in caring for the sick and in
making colors for decorating their bodies.
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