kvarnteknik

Kvarnteknik refers to the technology and methods used to grind cereal grains into flour with quern-stones. The term is used in archaeology and cultural history to describe stone-based milling practices from prehistoric times to early historic periods. Its primary purpose is to produce meal or flour suitable for bread and other foods, often using hand-powered devices or simple mechanical means.

Most kvarnteknik relies on two stones: a stationary lower stone (bedstone) and an upper stone with a hollowed surface that grinds against the bedstone. Grain is fed through a central hole or at the edge, and the upper stone is rotated or moved across the lower one. Grinding stones are typically made from durable rock such as sandstone or quartzite, and their surfaces wear smooth with use.

Two main forms are widely recognized. Saddle querns (sadelkvarn) involve an upper stone that slides back and forth over a curved bed, producing a grinding action with a compact, portable setup. Rotary querns (rotary kvarnar) feature an upper stone that rotates around a central hole, often operated with a handle and producing a continuous grind. Over time some milling systems became larger and could be powered by water, wind, or animal labor, leading to more efficient production.

Archaeological finds of kvarnsten fragments, wear patterns, and grinding debris provide information about diet, crop choices, and mobility. The distribution and dating of kvarnteknik help trace agricultural adoption and cultural contacts within a region.

Today, kvarnteknik is studied in archaeology, anthropology, and history to understand early food production and daily life. It is sometimes demonstrated in museums or re-enacted for educational purposes, illustrating how past communities processed staple foods.