Fine Costa Rican Basalt Metate - Jaguar Form - Oct 20, 2022 | Artemis Gallery In Co
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Fine Costa Rican Basalt Metate - Jaguar Form

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Fine Costa Rican Basalt Metate - Jaguar Form
Fine Costa Rican Basalt Metate - Jaguar Form
Item Details
Description
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 800 to 1400 CE. A superb jaguar metate expertly carved from a single piece of volcanic stone, standing on 4 stable legs with attention to the curvature of his joints and haunches. His flattened back forms the grinding surface- slightly curved to contain the herbs, medicine, or food being prepared. His sinuous tail curves inward to his foot creating a handle, and his head provides another grip. Stylized zigzags and diamond motifs decorate the neck, tail, and metate rim, and the head is delightfully stylized, and the lips are pulled back in a snarl! Size: 9.5" L x 4.75" W x 3.25" H (24.1 cm x 12.1 cm x 8.3 cm)

Metate technology developed initially for the utilitarian purpose of grinding corn; however, the objects evolved into meaningful ritual objects, replete with strong iconography and intriguing sculptural forms. Examples with elaborate decorative carving and iconographic symbolism were sometimes used to accompany and/or seat a departed lord on his journey to the afterlife. Jaguar imagery symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world.

Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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#170901
Condition
A few chips and surface abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen and mineral encrustations throughout.
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Fine Costa Rican Basalt Metate - Jaguar Form

Estimate $2,400 - $3,600
See Sold Price
Starting Price $750
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Item located in Louisville, CO, us
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Artemis Gallery

Artemis Gallery

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