Unless otherwise stated, descriptions are based on those contained in The Williams-Sonoma Cookbook and Guide to Kitchenware, by Chuck Williams. Williams-Sonoma was one of my favorite shopping destinations when I lived in Washington, D.C.
Mortar and Pestle with Peppercorns
Mortar and Pestle
Spices and dried herbs can be ground in a mortar and pestle. Seeds and dried berries are first cracked with the end of the pestle, which is then rotated very fast around the mortar to obtain a fine powder. Larger-sized mortars and pestles can be used to make nut pastes, bean pastes and purees of garlic. Mortars are made of stoneware, pottery, marble, porcelain and wood. Pestles either match or are made of hardwood.
Marble Mortar and Pestle
Culinary Traditions 