Quern

Quern, a primitive hand-mill for grinding corn. It was usually formed of two flat circular stones, the upper being attached to the lower by means of a pin of wood or metal on which it revolved. The upper stone contained two holes, one in the centre, into which the grain was dropped, and a smaller one near the rim to hold the stick used in turning it. Querns have been found in all parts of Europe which were inhabited by primitive peoples, including the lake-dwellings of Switzerland. They are still used in the Hebrides, the Shetlands, and the less-frequented parts of Ireland.