Basalt Grinders

View of a collection of grinders at Gamala.  These were found in the lower section of the southern slope of Gamala.

On the left note an "industrial-style" grain grinder. This is a large "hour-glass-shaped" grinder which fits over a stationary cone—an example of which is in right side of the image (note the grooves to aid in the grinding  process). Grain was placed in the top of it, the hour–glass–shaped top was turned, and the ground grain (flour) came out the bottom. The basalt rock, from which the grinder is made, is the dominant stone in the region of Gamala and the Golan.  Compare similar ones found at Capernaum.

In the lower portion of the image are examples of household grinders.  The stone on the far left would have been rubbed back and forth over the concave lower portions.

For a brief description of Gamala and a map Click Here.