Native American Metate Found in Monrovia is Now in Historical Museum

This metate, or grinding stone, was found recently when a resident of Oakglade Drive was digging a trench for a flower-bed wall, according to Mark Still, curator at the Monrovia Historical Museum.

Still writes that the stone was probably placed there by Native Americans for when they visited the area to harvest acorns. He said the acorns were ground, then leached in the waters of Monrovia Canyon to remove the tannin and the bitter taste.

The metate is on display at the museum, at 742 E. Lemon Ave. It is open Thursdays-Sundays from 1-4 p.m.

Thanks to the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group for this information and picture.

- Brad Haugaard