My object is a molcajete, or a mortar and pestle in English. It is carved from dark gray, almost black volcanic rock to crush and grind various groceries and prepare salsa, guacamole, or to serve traditional Mexican dishes. The shallow bowl averages six to eight inches in diameter and sits on three stubby legs. To use it, first grab the tejolete (or pestle) and push, twist to grind or crush the desired item. Even though some families use it for special occasions, others, like mine, use it as an everyday item. The history of the molcajete dates back further than most people think. This craft has been a major activity for almost seven centuries in the volcanic region of the Purepecha Mesa in Michoacán (Western Mexico). This kitchenware became popular in western Mexico due to the abundance of volcanic rock in the area. This kitchen appliance is one of the few items that were used in the past and are still used today. The molcajete is a traditional cooking tool commonly used in Mexican families. The molcajete is special to my family because it was a wedding gift for my grandma. Later on, my grandma gave the molcajete to my mother as a gift when she moved to the United States of America in January 2006. This molcajete has brought many family and friends together and memories that’ll last a lifetime.

– Marco Govea

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant