metate

A stone block with a shallow concave surface, used with a mano for grinding corn or other grains.

A primitive hand-mill of stone, usually on three, formerly also on four, legs of the same block. In ancient times the Mexican metate was often elaborately carved, whereas the Peruvian batan is a rude slab. The metate is in common use in the North American Southwest.

A flat or somewhat hollowed stone upon which grain or other food is ground, by means of a smaller stone or pestle.

A flat stone with a slightly concave surface, used with another stone (a mano) for grinding maize or other grains.