Antique Arabian Bedouin Coffee Mihbaj (Mortal & Pestle, Bedouin Coffee Ritual)

Details

Description

A culturally-significant antique Bedouin coffee mortar and pestle traditionally called a mihbaj or mehbash. This hand-carved wooden tool was used … Read more A culturally-significant antique Bedouin coffee mortar and pestle traditionally called a mihbaj or mehbash. This hand-carved wooden tool was used by nomadic Arab tribes to crush and grind roasted coffee beans and cardamom. The rhythmic pounding of the beans in these vessels created a distinct, echoing beat, central to the welcoming coffee ritual. A piece such as this was a central possession of a substantial Bedouin family, prized and showcased as a symbol of generosity, abundance and kindheartedness.

Today it functions beautifully as a decorative accent within both traditional and contemporary interiors, as a welcome symbol in a front doorway or guest room entrance hall. A beautiful and artful example of traditional Arabian culture and craftsmanship.

The cylindrical base appears to be carved from a single, heavy piece of exotic wood (acacia or tamarisk). Crude, deeply chiseled, hand-carved geometric patterns showing human imperfection and simple tools generally pointing to an older, utilitarian lifestyle. Hand cut brass sheaved opening with punch designs. Coffee oil saturation with a distinctive, dark, oily glaze and deep patination inside and out.

Pestle displays wear and a darkened, smooth glaze from the natural oils of human hands handling it over a century.

Origin: Arabia (originally purchased in Emirate of Oman in the 1990s)

Period: ca.1820-1920

Style: Arabian Bedouin

Materials: Wood (acacia or tamarisk), Hand-cut, punch-decorated brass rim, Coffee and Cardamon oil patination

Dimensions: Mortar: H: 10.5” in (26.7cm) W: 8.5”in (21cm), Pestle: L: 20.75” in (52.7cm) Diameter: 2.75” in (7cm)

All indications suggest a true antique mihbaje from the early-19th century. See less