1986.008.0842
Mortar
Physical Object
1986.008.0842
Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)
circa 1620
A majolica mortar from the wreck of the 1622 galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The interior of this fine-grade earthenware piece is covered with a tin-based, blue-gray enamel, as is the upper portion of the exterior. Considering the softness of both the enamel and the ceramic paste, this mortar likely served for lighter-duty uses – perhaps the compounding of spices or medicines. An indentation at the interior of the rim was either a spout or a resting spot for a pestle. The mortar is 12.5 centimeters tall.