The term metate , from the Nahuatl word métatl , is used to refer to the stone used to manually grind various types of grains. The element with which this surface is ground is called metlapil .
The metate, therefore, is a kind of mortar . In regions that are currently part of countries such as Mexico , Guatemala and Honduras , pre-Columbian peoples used this artifact to grind corn, for example.
To use the metate, you must first place the grains on the stone. Then, with the metlapil in hand, they must be crushed until they are crushed or the desired consistency and size is achieved.
There are multiple types of metates. The stone generally has a rectangular shape: in some cases it has legs , while in others it lacks them. The metlapil, meanwhile, is usually a cylinder , also made of stone.
The important thing is that the metate is hard and has reduced porosity . This makes cleaning easier and mixes of flavors and contamination are minimized.
There are metates without any type of ornamentation that only satisfy the need for grinding, but you can also find very elaborate designs, with the appearance of animals and various ornamentations. It is interesting to mention that, especially in rural communities, the metate continues to be used today.
In any case, the advancement of technology that led to the development of blenders and mills that operate on the basis of electrical energy turned metates into archaic utensils. Long ago, however, they were the most important resource for many cultures to produce sauces and flours .
Regarding the materials used to manufacture the metate, the hardest ones with the lowest percentage of porosity are chosen to achieve the following two objectives: to make it easier to clean, that is, no residue is trapped in its pores; prevent the flavors of the different ground products from mixing.
For these reasons, it is normal to use volcanic stone with a low level of porosity, although sedimentary stone or baked clay are also common. Granite is the one that carries the highest cost. The oldest models usually had engravings and other ornaments that served to identify them. As a curious fact, certain cultures of the past considered it an important part of the marriage dowry; In fact, if someone dared to damage another person's metate, their act was taken as a serious affront.
Since metate has been part of the culture of some countries for a long time, we can also find it in certain sayings , as is the case with other typical products. Let's see below some of the best known:
* Grind and grind, no metate left . It means that patience runs out if someone insists too much on something. It is important, on the other hand, that the expression "grinds and grinds" refers to someone who persistently bothers another;
* Bad for the metate, but good for the petate . It is said of a woman who is not very dedicated to household chores (which are related in the macho tradition to women, but in reality do not correspond to any particular sex) but is capable of satisfying her partner in intimacy. ;
* With the one who understands atole and metate, marry that one . It is advice given to a single man, and it means that if he finds a woman who knows how to cook, he should marry her;
* Hang up to the metate's hand . It is said that a person who wears too many pendants, earrings, bracelets or other ornaments, or even electronic accessories.