Monthly Archives: October 2011

Life in the Holy Land: Grinding Grain

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Tim Frank

In the Palestine that Gustaf Dalman saw, the rotating hand mill was the main tool used to grind grain. A relatively shallow millstone made from basalt sat on a base and was turned in a circular motion. The grain was … Continue reading →

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Life in the Holy Land: Storing Grain

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Tim Frank

In Arabic times grain was most commonly stored in grain trunks, called “shrines” by Dalman. They were made out of dried white-washed clay and usually stood in the main room of the farm house. The grain was poured into it … Continue reading →

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Agriculture in the Holy Land: Threshing

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Tim Frank

To separate the grain from the stalks, farmers thresh the harvest, whether it be barley, wheat or lentils. Threshing also crushes and cuts the stalks, so that they can be fed to animals. The most common instrument used in threshing … Continue reading →

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Agriculture in the Holy Land: Harvest

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Tim Frank

Barley and wheat are winter crops in Palestine. They are sown in November to January and grow in the moist winter soil. As the days get drier the grain ripens in early summer. Barley is harvested in late May to … Continue reading →

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