Early 20th century antique French scourtins, circa 1900 to 1930s. These coarse round mats, made from the fibers of coconut shells, were historically used as a filter in Provence's olive presses. Now used as decorative floor mats or wall hangings, these antique and vintage mats have have been used to improve olive oil extraction and juice drainage since the 1880s. In the French village of Nyons, renowned for its black olives and the locale of France's last remaining scourtinerie, one man would stack the scourtins, heavy with olive paste, about a hundred high onto a dolly, then roll them onto the olive press. As the press came bearing down, a thick black liquid, a mixture of the fruit's oil and water, cascaded over the sides of the scourtins. A centrifuge then separated out an opaque green oil, later made clear when filtered through cotton. Today's filters are now made of more durable nylon. Dimensions may vary slightly. Price is for each.

Dimensions:

27.25" diameter