Mortar, inscribed: ‘Sigismvndvs de Francionibvs aromatarivs PP MDXXXX’
This large mortar was used to grind spices, herbs, and pigments for painting, which were sold by the ‘aromatarius’, or dealer in spices. This Latin word also designated the shop, which served as an apothecary, greengrocer’s, and perfume dealer. The word ‘aroma’ as we know it, refers to the fragrant herbs. The heavy mortars were placed on a round pedestal to avoid having to bend over during the grinding process.