The Grinding Stone

by Lucinda Walter

Title

The Grinding Stone

Artist

Lucinda Walter

Medium

Photograph - Photography, Digital Art, Fine Art

Description

This grinding stone or milling stone was used by the Native Americans for grind grain. Photograph taken at Rancho De La Osa guest ranch, located near Sasabe Arizona, just south of Tucson, Arizona. Light was coming through the window to create this unique pattern on the stone and the floor.
Milling stones are common artifacts on many archaeological sites. The milling stone or milling basin, frequently called a metate, was used for grinding seeds, corn, or other vegetal products into a flour for food. Specimens are more frequent at sites after the appearance of agriculture and pottery although they also occur on older sites and probably were used for processing wild plant foods.
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Milling stones are normally large flattened rocks of considerable weight which have a shallow or deep basin-shaped depression in one or both sides. They were used in conjunction with a hand stone or mano to grind seeds or grain. Whole specimens are less frequently found than broken fragments on archaeological sites.
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Rancho De La Osa is one of the last great Spanish haciendas still standing in America. Its history has been lovingly preserved in the beautiful buildings that rest comfortably in the rolling grasslands of the high Sonoran Desert near Tucson, Arizona.
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With more than 320 days of sunshine a year and night-time stars that shine with unmatched clarity within a coal black sky, Rancho De La Osa is a special place that rejuvenates the spirit and invigorates the soul.
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HISTORY
n the late 17th Century, the fertile Altar Valley was settled by Spanish Jesuits. Father Eusebio Francisco Kino and his followers built a mission outpost on the ranch. This building was used for more than a century as an outpost to trade with the local Indians and Mexicans. This rare and historic adobe structure is reputed to be the oldest building in Arizona and still serves as a peaceful gathering place for our guests to mingle and relax.

Rancho De La Osa is part of the original three million acre land grant from the King of Spain to the Ortiz brothers of Mexico in 1812. When the Gadsden Purchase was signed in 1854 settling the border dispute between Mexico and the United States, the ranch fell within the US boundaries. Shortly afterward cattle baron and Civil War hero Colonel William Sturgis began renovations on the main house and made the structure the center of his massive ranching empire.

The Mexican Revolution brought history to our doors when revolution leader Pancho Villa fired on the hacienda. A Mexican cannonball from the era was found embedded in the stucco walls of the main house. Today the cannonball sits on display in the structure for all to see.
In 1921, Louisa Wade Wetherill, who is still considered one of the foremost Navajo historians, came south looking for a lost tribe of Navajos. She never found them, but she started "Hacienda De La Osa (She Bear) Guest Ranch" in 1924, and the ranch began its transformation into one of America's premier guest ranches, beginning an enviable tradition that continues to this day.
FAMOUS GUESTS FROM YESTERYEAR
People from around the world have recognized the special qualities of vacationing at a ranch in the Sonoran Desert. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and night-time stars that shine with unmatched clarity within a coal black sky, it wasn't long before the ranch's reputation drew some of the world's leading personalities.
Some of our guests have included: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt; Gone With The Wind author Margaret Mitchell; Hollywood cowboy star Tom Mix; Hollywood stars John Wayne, Cesar Romero and Joan Crawford; western author Zane Gray; Supreme Court Justice William O Douglas; William B Clayton (who drafted the Marshall Plan in one of the casitas in 1948); President Lyndon B. Johnson and former Presidential candidates Hubert Humphrey and Adlai Stevenson.
Rancho De La Osa is a special place that rejuvenates the spirit and invigorates the soul.
LOCATION
Located southwest of Tucson at the base of the sacred Baboquivari mountains and bordering the Tohono O'odham Indian Nation, our 300 year old intimate property is one of the last great haciendas in America. Established as a guest ranch in 1924, Rancho De La Osa�s history has been lovingly preserved in the beautiful buildings that rest comfortably in the rolling grasslands of the high Sonoran Desert.

ACTIVITIES
At Rancho De La Osa daytime activities include horseback trail rides, guided hikes, nature walks, road biking and bird watching. And, after spending time in the saddle and exploring on foot, you can relax in the hot tub, cool down in the pool or have a massage before enjoying a pre dinner drink in the cantina.
Dining is focused around quality food and wine. Southwestern cuisine, encompassing a blend of Spanish, Mexican, Native American and Southwestern United States ingredients, is served either in our romantic and historic hacienda dining room, secluded outdoor courtyard or under the stars at a cookout.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Our 18 adobe guest rooms are uniquely and vibrantly furnished with Mexican antiques and vintage furniture. Each has a porch that opens to mountain views and most rooms have a wood burning fireplace.
http://www.ranchodelaosa.com/

All images are copyright � Lucinda Walter. The materials contained may not be reproduced, copied, edited, published, transmitted or downloaded in any way, shape or form. All rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistribution of any of these images without written permission from the Artist is strictly prohibited.

Uploaded

February 24th, 2014

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