Congolese Mortar or Grinding Bowl

Grain, cassava, a pestle, a rhythm. The mortar is the quiet instrument in the Central African kitchen.

This one was carved from wood in the Republic of Congo in the 20th century, at about eighteen inches tall and wide. A deep round bowl sits above a band of slanted ribs, on a waisted body that flares into a wide round foot. The sides are carved in bold relief: serrated arches enclosing rounded, shield-like bosses, each marked with a small triangular point.

Chisel marks remain inside the bowl and across the warm brown surface. Put it on the floor. Let people step around it.