Mano (stone)

Native American Manos Arizona 2014

Mano (stone)

A mano is a type of hand-held stone tool used in conjunction with a metate to process or grind food by hand. The word "mano" is derived from the Spanish word for "hand." The mano is an essential tool in many traditional cultures for the preparation of food, particularly in Mesoamerica and the American Southwest.

Description

A mano is typically a smooth, oblong stone that fits comfortably in the hand. It is used to grind seeds, grains, and other foodstuffs against a larger, flat stone surface known as a metate. The mano and metate work together to pulverize and grind the food into a fine powder or paste. The size and shape of manos can vary significantly, depending on the specific use and cultural context.

Historical Significance

Manos have been used for thousands of years, with evidence of their use dating back to prehistoric times. They are commonly found in archaeological sites throughout Mesoamerica, including ancient Maya and Aztec sites, as well as in the American Southwest, where they were used by indigenous peoples such as the Ancestral Puebloans.

Cultural Context

In many traditional cultures, the mano and metate are not only practical tools but also hold cultural and symbolic significance. They are often associated with the preparation of staple foods such as maize (corn), which is central to the diet and cultural practices of many indigenous peoples in the Americas. The process of grinding maize with a mano and metate is labor-intensive and often carried out by women, highlighting the gendered division of labor in these societies.

Modern Use

While modern technology has largely replaced the mano and metate in many households, these tools are still used in some rural and traditional communities. They are also valued for their cultural heritage and are often displayed in museums and cultural centers.

See Also

• Metate
• Grinding stone
• Mortar and pestle
• Quern-stone
• Prehistoric technology