Pestle Item Number: 807/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Long cylindrical wooden piece that has been shaved slightly inwards at one end. Other end is slightly rounded and entire surface has a smooth finish with well defined carving marks.
History Of Use
Such mortars and pestles were used at the time this one was collected (1981) to grind peanuts and sesame seeds to fill sweet steamed cakes called (in Cantonese) chah gwo. Ground peanuts and sesame seeds were also used to make sweet soups called wuh.
Narrative
Given to Elizabeth Johnson by Mr. Fung because the mortar she had purchased for the Museum of Anthropology was lacking a pestle. Used by local Hakka people in Tsuen Wan, and probably also by members of other Chinese sub-ethnic groups.
Item History
- Made in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China during 1980
- Collected during 1981
- Owned by Wing-So Fung
- Owned by Elizabeth L. Johnson before May 14, 1982
- Received from Elizabeth L. Johnson (Donor) on May 14, 1982
What
- Name
- Pestle
- Identification Number
- 807/1
- Type of Item
- pestle
- Material
- guava wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut and carved
- Overall
- height 40.8 cm, diameter 3.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Wing-So Fung and Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Received from
- Elizabeth L. Johnson (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China
When
- Creation Date
- during 1980
- Collection Date
- during 1981
- Ownership Date
- before May 14, 1982
- Acquisition Date
- on May 14, 1982
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0807/0001