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ID #SA1234468
FOR SALE
£350
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African Primitive Grain Mortar and Pestle C1900-1920, Hand Carved Tree Trunk
For sale by Gilt and Gesso
for sale €410     $445
£350

Gilt and Gesso

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2023
Browse dealers 68 items
Id #SA1234468
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African Primitive Grain Mortar and Pestle C1900-1920, Hand Carved Tree Trunk

1900 - 1920
For Sale by Gilt and Gesso
Description

African Primitive Grain Mortar and Pestle C1900-1920, Hand Carved Tree Trunk.

A superbly stylish and rare hollowed out tree trunk primitive grain mortar with its original 130cm tall pestle, circa 1900-1920.

A magnificent primitive folk art, African grain mortar with splendid patination and evidence of use. Decorated with tribal theme art carving and twin carrying handles.

Dimensions

Height mortar 49cm

Diameter 39cm handles

Diameter mortar 33cm

Handle height 130cm

Please request more photos and any questions invited.

Dispatched U.K. and worldwide within 2-3 working days with tracking.

Physical Dimensions
Height
49cm (19.29")
Width
39cm (15.35")
Depth
33cm (12.99")
Declaration

Gilt and Gesso has dated this African Wooden Grain Mortar to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1234468
Description
African Primitive Grain Mortar and Pestle C1900-1920, Hand Carved Tree Trunk.
A superbly stylish and rare hollowed out tree trunk primitive grain mortar with its original 130cm tall pestle, circa 1900-1920.
Gilt and Gesso
fig 1. A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole.
fig 1. African Primitive Grain Mortar and Pestle C1900-1920, Hand Carved Tree Trunk

A magnificent primitive folk art, African grain mortar with splendid patination and evidence of use. Decorated with tribal theme art carving and twin carrying handles.

Dimensions

Height mortar 49cm

Diameter 39cm handles

Diameter mortar 33cm

Handle height 130cm

Please request more photos and any questions invited.

Dispatched U.K. and worldwide within 2-3 working days with tracking.

Height
49cm (19.29")
Width
39cm (15.35")
Depth
33cm (12.99")
Date of Manufacture

Gilt and Gesso has dated this African Wooden Grain Mortar to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1234468
Gilt and Gesso
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gilt and Gesso Profile Page

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A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole.
1 / 15
Archive I A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole.

African Primitive Grain Mortar and Pestle C1900-1920, Hand Carved Tree Trunk

Archive II A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View II
Archive III A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View III
Archive IV A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View IV
Archive V A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View V
Archive VI A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View VI
Archive VII A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View VII
Archive VIII A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View VIII
Archive IX A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View IX
Archive X A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View X
Archive XI A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View XI
Archive XII A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View XII
Archive XIII A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View XIII
Archive XIV A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View XIV
Archive XV A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07904 423385
Location
East Sussex
BN21 1DJ
United Kingdom
Verified Since May 2023
Items For Sale 68
Items Sold 317
Gilt and Gesso
Verified Since May 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: East Sussex, BN21 1DJ , United Kingdom
Verified
May 2023
For Sale
68
Sold
317
A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole.
African Primitive Grain Mortar and Pestle C1900-1920, Hand Carved Tree Trunk
Ref: SA1234468
A hand-carved African hardwood grain mortar with side loop handles and concentric carved grooves, next to a tall wooden pestle pole.
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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Historically carved by hand from dense local hardwoods, these large mortars and pestles were essential domestic tools across rural Africa used for husking and pounding grains, maize, and tubers.

These items were typically hollowed out from a single section of tree trunk or hardwood timber to ensure maximum strength and durability under repetitive heavy pounding.

Authentic pieces usually exhibit clear hand-tool marks from adzes, deep natural surface wear, wood seasoning cracks, and smoothed interiors from prolonged functional use.

Interior designers frequently use these vessels as architectural floor sculptures, unique umbrella stands, or planter pots to introduce organic texture to neutral spaces.

Regular light dusting with a soft dry cloth and an occasional application of natural clear beeswax will keep the timber hydrated and protect the natural patina.
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