ITEM: Roman thumb-shaped pestle
MATERIAL: Marble
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 60 mm x 72 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1975 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Roman thumb-shaped pestle, also known as a pistillum, was a common tool in Roman kitchens and households, used primarily for grinding and crushing ingredients such as grains, spices, herbs, and medicines. This pestle, typically made from stone, metal, or ceramic, had a distinct thumb-like shape, with a rounded, bulbous end that allowed for effective grinding when paired with a mortar. Its ergonomic design made it easy to hold and use, and it played a crucial role in preparing food and other substances, particularly in a time when many daily tasks involved manual preparation.

In Roman cuisine, the thumb-shaped pestle was essential for making staple dishes such as moretum (a type of herb and cheese spread), as well as for grinding spices used to flavor meals. Its role was not limited to food preparation, however. In Roman medical practices, pestles were also used to crush and mix ingredients for medicines and ointments. The preparation of remedies, many of which relied on ground plants and minerals, was a significant part of Roman healthcare, and the pestle and mortar were key tools in this process. Roman physicians, like Galen, mentioned the use of pestles in their medical writings, underscoring their importance.

Archaeological evidence of thumb-shaped pestles has been found in various Roman sites, including urban homes, rural villas, and military camps, indicating their widespread use across different social classes and settings. These tools, often discovered alongside mortars, highlight the practical and versatile nature of Roman domestic life. In some cases, the pestles were elaborately decorated, reflecting not just their utilitarian function but also their value as everyday objects within Roman households. The presence of these pestles in archaeological sites provides insights into the dietary habits, medicinal practices, and daily routines of the Romans, illustrating the centrality of food and health in their culture.