Metate Collection

A Kitchen in the Tierra Caliente; A zigzag journey through Mexico, 1875. Creator: Thomas Mayne Reid
A Kitchen in the " Tierra Caliente" ; A zigzag journey through Mexico, 1875. [Women cooking tortillas. Note metate for grinding the maize in the foreground, and Christian image behind]

DDE-90039490
Metate holes in rock along the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Date: 08/10/2013

Ceremonial Grinding Table (Metate) in the Form of a Feline, A. D. 500 / 1000
Ceremonial Grinding Table (Metate) in the Form of a Feline, A.D. 500/1000

Ceremonial Grinding Table (Metate), A. D. 1 / 500. Creator: Unknown
Ceremonial Grinding Table (Metate), A.D. 1/500

North America, USA, Utah, Grand Staircase / Escalante, Hole in the rock Road, Devils Garden
North America, USA, Utah, Grand Staircase/Escalante, Hole in the rock Road, Devils Garden, Metate Arch

Salado culture prehistoric metate y mano for grinding corn, Arizona
Maize grinding stones at Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park, a multi-storied Salado village inhabited circa 1225-1400 AD, Arizona. Digital photograph

Top span of Metate Arch in Devils Garden, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah

Metate Arch stands guard in Devils Garden, Grand Staircase National Monument, Utah

Four young Hopi women in Arizona grinding grain at the mealing trough. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1906
HOPI GRINDING GRAIN, c1906. Four young Hopi women in Arizona grinding grain at the mealing trough. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1906

NATI2D-00249
Native American metates y manos, or grinding stones for corn, at San Luis Rey mission, California. Digital photograph

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"Metate: Unveiling the Ancient Art of Grinding and Guarding" Step into the mystical world of metate, where ancient traditions and natural wonders converge. Metate Arch stands proudly in Devils Garden, Grand Staircase National Monument, Utah, serving as a silent sentinel to the rich history etched within these lands. From Thomas Mayne Reid's vivid descriptions in "A Kitchen in the Tierra Caliente, " we embark on a zigzag journey through Mexico, discovering how metates have been an integral part of daily life for centuries. These ceremonial grinding tables take various forms - from feline-inspired masterpieces dating back to A. D. 500-1000 to enigmatic creations crafted by unknown artisans between A. D. 1-500. In North America's vast landscapes, metates continue to leave their mark. Along Hole in the Rock Road at Devils Garden lies another stunning example of nature's artistry - Metate Arch gracefully standing guard over its surroundings. This majestic formation is a testament to both geological marvels and human ingenuity. But they are not mere symbols; they hold practical significance too. In Arizona's Salado culture, prehistoric metates y mano were used for grinding corn, reflecting the deep connection between sustenance and spirituality that transcends time. Photographs capture moments frozen in history - like Edward S. Curtis' poignant image of four young Hopi women diligently grinding grain at a mealing trough circa 1906 (NATI2D-00249). Their hands tell stories passed down through generations while honoring age-old customs that honor Mother Earth. As we delve deeper into this captivating world, we realize that metate is more than just an object; it embodies resilience and cultural heritage intertwined with breathtaking landscapes across continents. So let us celebrate these timeless treasures and pay homage to those who have safeguarded them throughout history.