Tool, Food Grinding
Object number2006.111.1 a,b
Date1915-1925
OriginMichoacán, Mexico
MediumNatural stone (volcanic basalt)
Credit LineGift of Joseph Arroyo
DescriptionTraditional-style Mexican mortar and pestle set. Both pieces are hand carved from rough-surfaced basalt. Morter has a hemispherical body with tripod legs, and pestle is egg-shaped with flattened finger rest at top.Dimensions4 x 7 x 7.5 in. (10.2 x 17.8 x 19.1 cm)Historical NotesTraditional mortar and pestle, used by Ramon Arroyo, who immigrated from Mexico in 1921. For grinding dried peppers. Mr. Arroyo worked as a track repairman for the Pennsylvania RailroadLabel TextBorn in 1901 in Peribán de Ramos, Michoacán, Mexico, Ramon Arroyo brought this molcajete – a mortar and pestle made from the volcanic rock basalt – with him from Mexico and used it in his home in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Arroyo came to the U.S. in 1921 as a migrant worker, primarily working as a track repairman on the Pennsylvania Railroad network. Arroyo used the mortar and pestle to crush dried chile peppers for use in traditional recipes from his native Mexico
Previous owner
Ramon Arroyo
Related institution
Pennsylvania Railroad
On View
On viewCollections
c. 1888
c. 1872
