The two circular stones fit together with the top mobile stone, called the handstone, rotating over the bottom stationary stone, called the quern thereby grinding any grain between them. The grain is fed in through a central hopper and there are three smaller holes for handles to fit into to turn the handstone.

How do you use a quern?

The rubbing-stone is hand-manoeuvred on the bed-stone, moving it in a to-and-fro action to crush and grind the grain. Quern stones can be also used in activities beyond flour production, such as the crushing of grain for meal and ale, as well as crushing and reduction of other substances such as bone and metal ore.

What is a Stone Age quern?

Quern-stones are stone tools for hand-grinding a wide variety of materials. They are used in pairs. The lower stationary stone of early examples is called a saddle quern, while the upper mobile stone is called a muller, rubber or handstone.