Antique Wooden Lusong (Mortar) from the Philippines - 19" H X 12" Oval

100+ year-old antique wooden mortar (lusong) made from a single piece of hardwood. These mortars are important symbols of traditional Filipino agriculture and way of life. They were shaped by burning coal in the center of a tree trunk with the burned part being scooped out and smoothed, making an interior center hollow in which to grind rice. The mortar (lusong) and pestle (alho/hal-o/bayo) are basic equipment by which to separate the husk and the grain by pounding the rice grains (palay) to separate and remove the hulls. 

Items like these are hard to find due to their age, condition, natural patina, and weight. This listing is for a mortar – wooden pestles can be found under separate listings on the site. There are many indoor and outdoor ways to appreciate these natural works of art. One can enjoy their rustic nature as-is, add a circular piece of glass to create a side table or in a grouping for a multi-part coffee table in settings from Organic-Inspired, Rustic... to Wabi Sabi or Coastal.

If you would like a custom glass top, contact us to explore options in smoked brown or clear.

Place of Origin: N. Luzon, Philippines

Date of Manufacture: early-20th Century

Condition: Excellent and in original unaltered condition. 

Wear: Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures. 

Dimensions: 

Total: 18.5 in. H X 15.5 in. L X 11.5 W in. (Oval)  

Shipping Note: Due to the size and weight of this piece, it will need custom handling and packaging. Contact us first for a quote before purchase. 

Reference: 

Simbolismo Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Lusong ug Alho

National Museum of the Philippines

Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology at Harvard University

Field Museum

Museo Kordilyera

N. Philippine Times: Lusong, Lalu, Bayo, Museums & Cooperatives by Richard Kinnud

Explore more Asian Carved Wood at Our Taste Design.