Corn Rubber

The people of Central America used grindstones to mill maize (corn on the cob) which was the only cereal crop they had. The maize flour was used to make tortillas (pancakes), tamales (savoury cakes) or atole-porridge (a type of gruel). It was often flavoured with chili peppers or beans. Their diet contained no fat, no dairy products and very little meat. Small table-shaped grindstones like this were not intended for use but were prestige items either with a ceremonial function or were placed in high status burials.