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Mano and metate A hand-held stone (the mano) was used with the metate (the bottom stone) to grind grains. These grinding stones are most common in late precontact agricultural sites so they were probably used for corn here in Wisconsin. The concave surface of the metate is caused by small pieces of the rock being removed during the grinding process.  These bits become mixed with the food and consumed with it, causing the consumer’s teeth to become worn down.