Vintage Mexican Hand Carved Molinillo With Artisanal Rings

Description

Offered is a vintage hand carved Mexican Molinillo, also known as a chocolate whisk or stirring tool. The artisan who … more Offered is a vintage hand carved Mexican Molinillo, also known as a chocolate whisk or stirring tool. The artisan who carved this wanted to show their master class skills by adding three wood rings to the piece, a signature of their carving skills.

From the Smithsonian Museum description:
A molinillo is a whisk that was first produced by Spanish colonists in Mexico. They used the molinillo to stir and froth their chocolate drinks. Prior to Van Houten’s invention of the hydraulic press, chocolate contained a large amount of fat that was not soluble in water. A chocolate drink had to be continuously stirred in order to stay mixed. A small molinillo would have been used with an individual serving size cup. A large molinillo would have been used in a chocolate pot.
During the 18th century, the preparing, serving and consuming of chocolate and coffee became a ritualistic affair for the middle classes. While it had been popular with upper classes for a century earlier, the desire to mimic the upper classes led to a proliferation of utensils and serving ware to enhance the experience.

In addition to the grooved ridges carved into the bulb, it features a rounded tip making this suitable as a pestle to grind spices, peppers, or mix curries, and a hook at the top to hang on a wall or utensil rack.

Measures 11.5" long, 2" diameter less