Rolling Pin
PeriodLate 18th-early 19th century
MediumMaple
Dimensionstotal length: 18.25 in. (46.4 cm)
ClassificationsFood Processing & Prep, Accessories
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number1991.584
DescriptionA rolling pin, with two acorn-shaped handles on either side of a 13 inch rolling pin.Curatorial RemarksThe rolling pin has a long history, dating back several thousand years. Used to flatten dough, the rolling pin has had a place in kitchens throughout the world. This particular rolling pin was carved from a length of maple, favored for its hardness and close-grown graining. The darkening around the handles indicates its extensive and prolonged use, possibly making it as old as around 1750 or so. It is often difficult to date rolling pins as their style changed little through the centuries.NotesThe simple rolling pin was found in virtually all colonial American households. Pies, either savory or sweet, and many other popular and common dishes which included thin dough crusts as part of the recipe were typical products of an 18th century kitchen. On the farm, small savory pies which included meat and vegetables in a sauce or gravy could be wrapped and taken out to the fields during planting or harvest.
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