Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. An interesting grinding platform known as a metate that is hand-carved from slightly porous volcanic stone. The shallow basin is surrounded by squat, thick walls with a lightly flared rim, and the entire vessel is supported on the bottom by 3 abstract anthropomorphic figures who raise their arms beneath the base. Each figure presents nude with a bulbous body as well as bent legs and arms, and their faces - though faded - appear to be strained under the weight of the basin. Metates are similar to mortar and pestles in that they were developed initially for the utilitarian purpose of grinding herbs and corn; however, metates evolved into meaningful ritual objects, some were traditionally used to seat a departed lord on his journey to the afterlife. Size: 6.625" L x 6.2" W x 4.2" H (16.8 cm x 15.7 cm x 10.7 cm)

Provenance: private Netanya, Israel collection, acquired in Venezuela between 1972 to 1977

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#171599

Softening to some finer details of standing figures, with encrustations across scattered areas, and nicks and abrasions commensurate with age, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.