Pompeian Pestle

Handcrafted Replica Roman Pestles – Choose Thumb or Plain Design

Details
Whether you're looking to complete your Roman kitchen replica or replace a missing piece, these individually handcrafted Roman-style pestles are ideal for use with your existing mortarium.

Inspired by archaeological finds from across the Roman Empire, our pestles are available in two distinctive styles:

• Thumb Pestle – Based on examples from Britain and continental Europe, these pestles reflect a unique Roman design, where the handle resembles a human thumb. The shape offered practical advantages for grip and pressure but may also have held symbolic meaning. In Roman culture, the thumb could represent power, life and death, and unity. It's not hard to imagine a Roman cook choosing this design as a subtle invocation of strength and control in the kitchen.

• Plain Pestle – A simpler, robust form inspired by examples such as those found at Pompeii. The curved handle allows for comfortable use, and its no-nonsense design makes it a reliable companion for food preparation, whether grinding herbs, seeds or dried fruits.

These pestles are carefully shaped and fired to replicate the look and feel of authentic Roman kitchen tools, and are designed to pair perfectly with our replica mortaria or with original finds in museum or educational collections.

You can get a pestle and mortarium set HERE.

Materials
Earthenware terracotta

Dimensions
Approx. 130 mm length
Approx. 45 mm width (at the widest point)
Weight varies slightly by style

Production
Each pestle is handmade in Northumberland by Potted History using traditional Roman-style methods:

• Sculpted and finished by hand

• Fired to temperatures between 800°C and 1000°C

• Natural surface variations give each pestle its own character

Health and Safety
These are Museum Quality Replicas, created using historically accurate materials and techniques.

• Not food safe: These pestles are unglazed and porous, meaning they do not meet modern safety standards for food preparation

• For display or experimental archaeology only: Some historical cooks use these replicas for demonstration purposes, but this is at your own risk

• Historical hygiene: In the Roman world, cookware was often sterilised by heating to over 70°C for 10 minutes or more, with 100°C being even more effective

• Surface preparation: Ancient users would often grind the pestle against the mortarium before use to smooth away loose grit or edges

Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders).
If your order contains both items, they will be shipped together once all are ready.

Shipping
All items are sent via second-class postal service.
If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a quote.
Items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive safely and in excellent condition.

Whether you're drawn to the symbolism of the thumb pestle or prefer the practical simplicity of the plain version, these replicas bring ancient craftsmanship into your hands