{"product_id":"roman-pestle-pompeian-or-thumb-style","title":"Roman Pestle – Pompeian or Thumb Style","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"285\" data-start=\"204\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"285\" data-start=\"204\"\u003eInspired by Culinary Tools from Across the Roman Empire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"267\" data-start=\"256\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"267\" data-start=\"256\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"520\" data-start=\"269\"\u003eThe humble pestle was one of the most important tools in the Roman kitchen. Whether grinding herbs for medicine, crushing spices for sauces, or preparing ingredients for a feast, Roman cooks relied upon these simple but effective implements every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"776\" data-start=\"522\"\u003eThis handcrafted museum quality replica allows you to purchase a \u003cstrong data-end=\"614\" data-start=\"587\"\u003eRoman pestle on its own\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it ideal for those who already own a mortarium and wish to complete their set, replace a missing pestle, or add an alternative style to their collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"804\" data-start=\"778\"\u003eTwo designs are available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1130\" data-start=\"806\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"829\" data-start=\"806\"\u003eThe Pompeian Pestle\u003c\/strong\u003e is inspired by practical examples from the Roman city of Pompeii. Simple, robust and comfortable in the hand, this style reflects the everyday tools used by Roman cooks throughout the Empire. Its uncomplicated shape demonstrates the Roman preference for objects that were both functional and durable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1382\" data-start=\"1132\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1152\" data-start=\"1132\"\u003eThe Thumb Pestle\u003c\/strong\u003e is based upon distinctive finger-shaped pestles found across the Roman world. Examples have been discovered in materials including bronze, marble and sandstone, suggesting that this unusual design was both popular and widespread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1798\" data-start=\"1384\"\u003eThe origins of the thumb-shaped form remain a matter of debate. It may have begun as an ergonomic design, with the slight crook sitting naturally in the palm and allowing greater control during grinding. Yet the thumb also carried powerful symbolic meaning in Roman society. Associated with authority, strength and judgement, it is tempting to imagine that these pestles represented more than simple kitchen tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1974\" data-start=\"1800\"\u003ePerhaps a Roman cook believed that by grinding ingredients with a thumb-shaped pestle, they were bringing a little extra power, prosperity or good fortune into the household.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2151\" data-start=\"1976\"\u003eWhether you choose the practical \u003cstrong data-end=\"2027\" data-start=\"2009\"\u003ePompeian style\u003c\/strong\u003e or the more symbolic \u003cstrong data-end=\"2065\" data-start=\"2049\"\u003eThumb Pestle\u003c\/strong\u003e, each provides a tangible connection to the culinary traditions of the ancient world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2752\" data-start=\"2688\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2701\" data-start=\"2688\"\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2704\" data-start=\"2701\"\u003eEarthenware terracotta \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2275\" data-start=\"2193\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2207\" data-start=\"2193\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2210\" data-start=\"2207\"\u003eLength: Approx. 130 mm\u003cbr data-end=\"2235\" data-start=\"2232\"\u003eWidth: Approx. 45 mm at the widest point\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2341\" data-start=\"2277\"\u003eWeight varies slightly due to the handmade nature of each piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2507\" data-start=\"2343\"\u003eThis pestle has been made in a \u003cstrong data-end=\"2389\" data-start=\"2374\"\u003esmall batch\u003c\/strong\u003e, so while you may not receive the exact item shown in the images, variations will be minimal, making each one unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2974\" data-start=\"2841\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2855\" data-start=\"2841\"\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2858\" data-start=\"2855\"\u003eEach piece is \u003cstrong data-end=\"2902\" data-start=\"2872\"\u003ehandmade in Northumberland\u003c\/strong\u003e by Potted History using \u003cstrong data-end=\"2973\" data-start=\"2927\"\u003eauthentic Roman-style tools and techniques\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3143\" data-start=\"2976\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3005\" data-start=\"2976\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3005\" data-start=\"2978\"\u003eThrown and shaped by hand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3047\" data-start=\"3006\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3047\" data-start=\"3008\"\u003eFired to between \u003cstrong data-end=\"3045\" data-start=\"3025\"\u003e800°C and 1000°C\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3143\" data-start=\"3048\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3143\" data-start=\"3050\"\u003eSurface colour and texture variations occur naturally, giving each piece a unique character\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3255\" data-start=\"3145\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3166\" data-start=\"3145\"\u003eHealth and Safety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3169\" data-start=\"3166\"\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong data-end=\"3205\" data-start=\"3179\"\u003eMuseum Quality Replica\u003c\/strong\u003e, crafted using traditional methods and materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3862\" data-start=\"3257\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3368\" data-start=\"3257\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3368\" data-start=\"3259\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3276\" data-start=\"3259\"\u003eNot food safe\u003c\/strong\u003e: The vessel is unglazed and porous, meaning it does not meet modern food safety standards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3521\" data-start=\"3369\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3521\" data-start=\"3371\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3423\" data-start=\"3371\"\u003eFor display or experimental archaeology use only\u003c\/strong\u003e: Some enthusiasts use mortaria for historical demonstrations, but this is done at your own risk\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3689\" data-start=\"3522\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3689\" data-start=\"3524\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3560\" data-start=\"3524\"\u003eHistorical food safety practices\u003c\/strong\u003e: Romans ensured hygiene by heating their pots and contents to at least 70°C for 10 minutes, or 100°C for greater effectiveness\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3862\" data-start=\"3690\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3862\" data-start=\"3692\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3711\" data-start=\"3692\"\u003ePreparation tip\u003c\/strong\u003e: In antiquity, cooks would grind down the interior surface of a mortarium before first use to remove loose grit, an important step to avoid a cracked tooth at dinner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4124\" data-start=\"3864\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3888\" data-start=\"3864\"\u003eOrdering Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3891\" data-start=\"3888\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3916\" data-start=\"3891\"\u003e'Add to Basket' Items\u003c\/strong\u003e: Ready to ship immediately.\u003cbr data-end=\"3947\" data-start=\"3944\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3968\" data-start=\"3947\"\u003e'Pre-order' Items\u003c\/strong\u003e: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders).\u003cbr data-end=\"4040\" data-start=\"4037\"\u003eIf your order contains both items, they will be shipped together once all are ready.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4283\" data-start=\"4126\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4138\" data-start=\"4126\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"4141\" data-start=\"4138\"\u003eAll items are sent using a \u003cstrong data-end=\"4199\" data-start=\"4168\"\u003esecond-class postal service\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr data-end=\"4203\" data-start=\"4200\"\u003eIf you wish to have an item sent \u003cstrong data-end=\"4251\" data-start=\"4236\"\u003efirst class\u003c\/strong\u003e, please contact us for a quote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4367\" data-start=\"4285\"\u003eEach item is \u003cstrong data-end=\"4320\" data-start=\"4298\"\u003ecarefully packaged\u003c\/strong\u003e to ensure it reaches you in perfect condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4583\" data-start=\"4369\"\u003eComplete your Roman kitchen, replace a missing piece, or add a fascinating conversation starter to your collection with one of these beautifully crafted Roman pestles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PottedHistory","offers":[{"title":"Thumb Pestle","offer_id":58201623200128,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Plain Pestle","offer_id":58201623232896,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/6388\/9250\/files\/Mortariumandpestle_17_bba9aa70-48ba-4afc-a1d7-901692eed218.jpg?v=1758875427","url":"https:\/\/potted-history.co.uk\/products\/roman-pestle-pompeian-or-thumb-style","provider":"PottedHistory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}