Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed region, ca. 1 to 500 CE. A huge flying panel ceremonial metate, expertly carved from a single piece of volcanic stone with refined dimensions and intricately incised as well as openwork details, presenting a grand and nicely curved throne-like seat and a tripod base, the central openwork section of the base depicting a large jaguar or transforming jaguar shaman standing with one arm up and one arm down, facing forward with an expressive countenance; just look at those bulging eyes, gnashing fangs, alert ears, and snarling snout as he stands proudly and points toward the seat above. The three legs depict anthropomorphic heads with bold visages presenting coffee bean shaped eyes, relatively naturalistic noses, and closed mouths, all topped by elaborate headdresses, and the rim of the seat is carved with an attractive ridged band. Truly among the most magnificent examples we have ever had the pleasure of handling! Size: 18.5" L x 23" W x 14.5" H (47 cm x 58.4 cm x 36.8 cm)

Metates were initially created to grind foods such as corn, certainly a utilitarian purpose; however, they evolved into meaningful ritual objects, replete with strong iconography and intriguing sculptural forms which transformed these objects into much more than a tool. Examples with this degree of decorative carving and iconographic symbolism were sometimes used to seat a departed lord on his journey to the afterlife. Jaguar imagery symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world; hence, warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. Given this, the jaguar iconography on this ceremonial metate would have been particularly fitting for an elite leader of ancient Costa Rica.

Provenance: collection of the late Alfred E. Stendahl, Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#126387

Repairs to the seat, legs, and jaguar figure with base. Losses to headdress of one figure. Expected surface wear commensurate with age and exposure. Earthen and mineral deposits.