The colander was a very important tool handmade by the local Amana tinsmith. It was used extensively in the old Amana communal kitchens to handle large quanties of food that needed to be drained. The large, bowl shaped utensil had holes on the bottom, usually in a star or flower pattern, a base, and handles, all hand applied. The perforated bottom allowed liquid to drain through while retaining the solids as vegetables and fruits inside. This was one tool that made all the difference in old Amana communal kitchens while prepping food. The large size made it very useful and appealing. The Colanders were sometimes called sieves from the Latin word colum meaning sieve.
