Molineros
January 22, 2006
One of the most remarkable jobs in all of Oaxaca is that of the molinero. He grinds chocolate, chiles, corn, nuts, and many other things using his molinos. But he also maintains the molino stones. Every few days as the stones wear they need to be recut using a hammer and chisel so they maintain the ability to grind the various different products perfectly. Each food requires a slightly different cut, and the molinero knows exactly what type of cut he needs to carve into the grinding stone to achieve those results. This is how fine mole and Mexican chocolate is made. 
I was able to shoot this short movie of two molineros making chocolate drink mixes for a customer at Guelaguetza Chocolate on calle 20 de Noviembre in Oaxaca, Mexico:
