one of a finds: chapatti rolling pins

Traditionally gifted to Indian women in their wedding dowries, these vintage chapatti rolling pins, or belan, recall the daily ritual of rolling out unleavened dough on a chakla board to prepare the round breads essential to every Indian meal.

Gathered from different states, this collection represents a culinary tour of India. Three black pins from Rajasthan are sized wider for the northern region’s thicker chapatti. Two slender, colorful lacquered pins from the western state of Gujarat shape thin delicate roti. Two brown pins are intricately grooved to achieve the cracker-thin papadum of the southern regions.

While each is authentic, they have been preserved for display as conversation-worthy objects only.

photo by: mckaysavage