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Fine Costa Rican Basalt Metate - Jaguar Form
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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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#170901
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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#170901
Condition
A few chips and surface abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen and mineral encrustations throughout.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
Fine Costa Rican Basalt Metate - Jaguar Form
Estimate $2,400 - $3,600
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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