GRINDING GRAIN

[This illustration depicts four Zuni women kneeling in a row, actively grinding grain. They are using manos cylindrical hand stones on metates flat stone grinding slabs that are set into a long, low trough-like structure. In the foreground, a large wooden ladder with rungs inserted through the side rails leans diagonally across the scene. On the stone floor next to the women are a large decorated ceramic jar with a geometric pattern and a shallow bowl or basket. The floor is constructed of large stone slabs.]

original: "Zuñi" is a historical spelling of Zuni. The metate and mano system shown here was the primary method for producing the fine cornmeal necessary for Zuni breadstuff.