Grinder (Tall)
Grinder, AD 1918, Brass and steel, h. 28.5 cm
This grinder was used to grind coffee, pepper and spices. It is made of brass, with the interior pieces of steel, and is comprised of four pieces. It is surrounded by a number of decorative bands comprised of intertwined curved lines with floral motifs in the centre. On the lower part of the body is inscribed a crescent moon and star, a mosque, including details such as a dome and minaret, Arabic lettering, BARK-FOUR, Trademark, GARANTI, Arabic lettering, and ‘4’ between two stars. The crescent moon and star and the mosque suggests that it is a product of an Islamic workshop during the period of Ottoman Turkey. It was thus imported into Toula, which is a Maronite village. The drinking of coffee and the use of pepper and of spices in cooking are an important part of the social life of the village, so such a grinder is a significant possession of the community. It is not a rare item, and a number of similar examples are on the antiques market.