Bedrock mortar

Bedrock Mortar is a type of archaeological artifact that is often found in various parts of the world. These are essentially holes in bedrock that have been used over time to grind acorns and other nuts into meal, creating a type of prehistoric flour.

History

The use of bedrock mortars dates back to prehistoric times, and they are often found in areas where indigenous peoples have lived. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the diet and lifestyle of these early cultures. The process of grinding acorns or other nuts into meal would have been a labor-intensive task, but it was a necessary part of survival for these early peoples.

Construction and Use

A bedrock mortar is created by repeatedly grinding hard objects against a softer piece of bedrock. Over time, this action creates a hole in the rock. The size and shape of the hole can vary depending on the type of rock and the tools used to create it. Once the hole is formed, it can be used to grind acorns, nuts, or other hard foods into a fine meal.

The process of using a bedrock mortar involves placing the food items into the hole and then using a stone or other hard object to grind the food into meal. This is a slow and labor-intensive process, but it was a necessary part of life for many early cultures.

Locations

Bedrock mortars can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, South America, Africa, and Australia. They are often found in areas where there is a significant amount of bedrock exposed at the surface. In many cases, these artifacts are found in groups, suggesting that they were used by a community of people.

Significance

The presence of bedrock mortars at an archaeological site can provide valuable information about the people who lived there. By studying these artifacts, archaeologists can learn about the diet and lifestyle of these early cultures. In addition, the presence of bedrock mortars can help to date an archaeological site, as they are often associated with specific periods in history.

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  Bedrock mortar in a rock shelter on the Upper Cumberland Plateau
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  Anza Morteros by Phil Konstantin
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  Acorn grinding stone
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  Huerfano Butte Arizona Bedrock Metate