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ID #SA1234468
FOR SALE
£295
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African Primitive Grain Mortar and Pestle C1900-1920, Hand Carved Tree Trunk
For sale by Gilt and Gesso
for sale €345     $375
£295

Gilt and Gesso

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2023
Browse dealers 72 items
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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.

Date of Manufacture

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

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

Date of Manufacture

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

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

Gilt and Gesso
Telephone 07904 423385
Location
East Sussex
BN21 1DJ
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/giltgesso
Verified Since May 2023
Items For Sale 72
Items Sold 337
Gilt and Gesso
Verified Since May 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: East Sussex, BN21 1DJ , United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/giltgesso
Verified
May 2023
For Sale
72
Sold
337
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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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectMortar & Pestle
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleAfrican Tribal
  • MaterialHardwood
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsHand-carved loop handles, Incised ring grooves, Hollowed tree trunk core
  • SizeH 49 cm (19 in) x W 39 cm (15 in) x D 33 cm (13 in)

This African primitive grain mortar and pestle from the period 1920 belongs to the African Tribal style and consists of a hand-carved tree trunk core made from hardwood in a warm brown colour. The mortar displays hand-carved loop handles on the sides, incised ring grooves around the lower section, and a hollowed-out central chamber showing visible surface wear and aged patination from use, accompanied by a long, straight pestle pole. The mortar measures 49 cm high, 39 cm wide, and 33 cm deep, while the pestle reaches 130 cm in height. Placed in an empty corner of a living space or hallway, this folk art set serves as a striking sculptural display piece or a vessel for dried botanicals. The tactile wooden surfaces and organic forms bring natural texture into modern bohemian or eclectic interiors, offering an authentic conversation piece with historical presence.

FAQs

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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