Jazan’s Traditional Millstone: A Symbol of Rural Heritage

   Jizan, November 19, 2025, SPA -- The millstone is one of the most distinctive tools that shaped rural life in Jazan, with the aroma of freshly ground grain still evoking stories of perseverance and simplicity from a time when people relied on the tools and stones provided by nature.
   Carved with care from hard black mountain rock, the millstone takes on a rectangular, slightly arched form and comes in various sizes. Its rough surface makes it ideal for manual grinding, traditionally done with another tool called the wadi, a solid cylindrical stone moved back and forth across the millstone to crush the grain.
   In Jazan, the millstone has long been used to grind various grains for traditional dishes, as well as spices and coffee. It was once an indispensable item in every household and is considered a central part of the region’s traditional kitchen tools, reflecting its essential role in daily life.
   Heritage enthusiasts stress the importance of preserving the millstone in museums and festivals, seeing it as a testament to human skill and the deep bond between people and their land, and as a way to introduce younger generations to a time when life was shaped by hand.
   -- SPA