Small Wooden Mortar

In Santería and other African-based religions (such as Palo Mayombe), the wooden mortar is a fundamental ceremonial tool used primarily to crush, grind, and mix dry ingredients that will form part of ritual powders, afoshé (magical powders), or ingredients for ebbó (cleanings and offerings).

·        Preparation of Ashé/Afoshé: It is used to reduce roots, dried herbs, sticks (bark), seeds, and minerals to a fine powder, releasing the vital energy and magical properties of these elements.

• Creation of protection or cleansing mixtures: It allows different ingredients (herbs, eggshells, earth, etc.) to be combined to create customized compounds for baths, despojos, or for consecrating objects.
• Activation of plant energy: By crushing the elements with the wooden hand, it is believed that the spirit of the plant or the palo is being "awakened" for use.