A Magnificent Jaguar Form Metate and Bar Pestle... (Total: 2 )

Description

A Magnificent Jaguar Form Metate and Bar Pestle
Costa Rica, c. 900-1500 AD

It is unusual to find an ancient Costa Rican metate with an associated bar-shaped pestle (mano) and the basin of the metate ground smooth from grinding, plus, rubbed and polished areas on the head from handling over the centuries. Furthermore this is exceptionally finely carved with grooved and openwork details on the head and front leg. The stylized jaguar head has an open mouth, perforated muzzle, crescentic eyes set on the diagonal and a serpentine form looping down each side of the neck. A woven pattern is on top of the head and rows of serpentine lines march along the sides of the seat. The plate of the seat is adorned with grooves in interlocking fret designs resembling swirling water. In very good condition, the seat repaired from two large halves. Expected surface wear with abraded areas commensurate with age. Some earthen deposits in the recessed areas. All of these factors attest to the importance this metate had to the ancient people of Costa Rica.

Provenance:
Artemis Gallery, Louisville, CO
A Private East Coast Collection
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Robert D. Dodge, dated 5/30/2018

Length: 25 ½ inches

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