Central America, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed Region, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A very large flying panel metate (or Royal Throne) sculpted out of a single piece of volcanic rock, with a characteristically curved rectangular seat, two appendages at one end that may have represented jaguar or animorphic heads, and three legs. This Royal Seat of Power is meticulously carved with weaving glyph inspired motifs that cover the entire underside of the plate and the legs as well as one end of the seat. Ceremonial metates like this were used to seat a departed Lord on his way to the afterlife and represent one of the most interesting traditions of Costa Rica. Scholars also argue that such flying panel metates are precursors to the free standing figures that developed later on in the Atlantic watershed region. Size: 26.75" L x 13.75" W x 12.75" H (67.9 cm x 34.9 cm x 32.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Private New Mexico collection acquired in the 1980's.

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#115923

Repaired from two large pieces, one corner missing, nevertheless impressive for its size, form, and iconography.