LARGE Carved WOODEN MORTAR AND PESTLE - $139 (Cary)

Very large antique mortar and pestle from Africa, probably Northern Africa.
My research shows it was carved and used by an African tribe sometime between mid-1800s to early 1900s.
It is beautifully and ornately carved, with geometric designs over the entire Mortar and a shaped pestle, with more carvings and unique overall design.
Both mortar and pestle are solid hardwood.
Very substantial and both are very sturdy with no degradation beyond expected wear.
Wear includes expected wear from use and some ships, cracks, etc.
All wear is surface only and definitely adds to the character and interest of this piece.
The pestle has lovely worn and oiled mid section where many hands have obviously worked the tool.
Very cool.
This would have been used to grind coffee or spices.
It may have been ceremonial as evidenced by the carvings.
It is very large - stands about 30" tall with pestle in the mortar.
Mortar itself is 91/2" tall and about 10" in diameter.
It weighs about 16 lbs.
The pestle is 25 1/2" long and about 3" at widest.
The pestle weighs almost 3 lbs.