Herb cutter, wooden shovel shaped tray with iron blade, in the form of a horse, probably Spanish, 18th century

Plants and herbs need to be prepared before they can be used in medical treatments. Cutting was one way for a pharmacist to begin preparing such material. Other methods include grinding, crushing and boiling.

Blunted by use, the horse shaped iron blade can move in an arc on the wooden cutting surface. This herb cutter could also have been used for chopping herbs for cooking at home. The object was probably made in Spain.