Antique Castilian Millstone in Granite and Iron Sculpture, 1800s

Details

Description

One of a kind traditional Castilian millstone, wheel, or millstone, circular in shape , forming a unique, singular, and impressive … Read more One of a kind traditional Castilian millstone, wheel, or millstone, circular in shape , forming a unique, singular, and impressive sculpture.
The piece is made of granite, and various radial grooves can be seen, which were used to grind wheat, corn, or barley grains into flour. They also serve to distribute the grain and expel the flour. The three perforations in the stone are noteworthy; two of them served as a pivot axis and fed the grain, while the central perforation was used as a secondary axis or to secure the piece.

Its pronounced grooves, light color, and double orifice seem to indicate its Castilian origin, as it displays the typical characteristics of Castilian hydraulic grain mill wheels. It is displayed on a contemporary iron stand.

About the Millstones

Millstones, characterized by their irregular surface, are placed on the hearth (the lower horizontal member of a wall or building to which inclined horizontal and vertical members are attached), which remains stationary as the wheel rotates on it.

They were arranged in pairs attached to the impellers that were in contact with the force of the water. The lower stone is called the hearth, and the upper stone was the flywheel. They were essential for grinding wheat and other grains into flour. The grain was delivered from upper vats or hoppers. This mechanism was typically driven by animal traction or the flow of river water. Different products were milled in each region, which is why the size of the stones varies from place to place.
Technical data
Castilian millstone or grinding stone
Material: Granite
Period: Late 18th century
Region: Castile and León, Spain
Good condition commensurate with its age and use
Overall dimensions: 78 x 80 x 12 cm
Dimensions without stand: 58 x 58 x 9 cm See less