As the wheel is so wide and the radius of the turn so sharp, rather than just rolling over the grain, it also drags the grain which helps in the grinding process. This particular grinder is located in the Northern Shandong countryside a few miles from Confucius's native place. The grinder is called a Qufu, pronounced Chewfoo, and is the village communal stone grinder made from granite. It is used by these women to crack corn for their hogs and chickens. An old, hand powered grain grinder.
Grain is fed into the center of the upper stone.
As it turns, the grain moves from the center to the outer edges and is ground in the process. This limestone grinder is still in use in the 3 Gorges of the Yangzi River Valley. It is used to prepare soy beans for tofu making as well as grinding up anything. By the way, this town, now 400 feet above the water, will become river front property in late 2003 when the reservoir behind the dam fills. Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light.