Knockin Stane and Mell for preparing Pot Barley

Knockin Stane and Mell for preparing Pot Barley

ID: QZP40_2471_VOLXII_P263 DESCRIPTION: This knocking stone was found in Shetland but was common across Scotland. The stone had a hollow into which grain was placed. The grain was then pounded with the mell or pounder. This dehusked the grain, making it fit for human consumption. The mell-head in this illustration was made of oak and the handle of fir wood but pounders were also made of stone. The knocking stone was 19x13 inches (48x33cm) and the hollow was 12inches (30cm) wide at the top. This illustration was taken from 'Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Vol XII, Part I' (1876-77) PLACENAME: N/A DISTRICT: Shetland DATE OF IMAGE: 1876 PERIOD: 1870s SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (illustrations) Asset ID: 31633 KEYWORDS: