Pestle and Mortar.... Really?

[katana]

Originally Posted by fernando

Hi Gene,
Such a heavy iron thing hitting into (apparently soft) wood ... what an odd combination

Fernando

If the pestle and mortar are an original 'matched' pair ...I can think of one possible use ...to 'refine' gunpowder. This would explain why metal would be used with wood......metal to metal could generate heat/sparks .....not good with black powder around . I would imagine that stored black powder may 'clump up' into lumps, if used, without breaking them up, the effectiveness of the powder is much reduced ...lessening the explosive power.

When I first saw the pictures.....I kept thinking the 'high' seas and cannons.... I'm probably 'wide of the mark' ....it certainly wouldn't be the first time

Regards David