This piece is a mortar (Batu Lesung) probably used in the preparation of the spices and pastes needed in Peranakan cuisine. It is made from rough and heavy granite and consists of two parts, a square base and a rod like pounder. It is used for crushing and pounding everything from candlenuts to lemongrass, breaking up large pieces and releasing the flavours of the ingredients. Peranakan cuisine is a blend of tastes borrowed from various communities. These include recipes from Chinese, Malay, Javanese, Indian and even European palates. Since Peranakan dishes require a lot of preparation, tools such as the Batu Lesung are important in the crushing, pounding and grinding of the numerous ingredients and spices used.
