Costa Rican Stone Jaguar Metate - Dec 06, 2018 | Artemis Gallery In Co
LiveAuctioneers Logo

lots of lots

Costa Rican Stone Jaguar Metate

Recommended Items

item-67248982=1
item-67248982=2
item-67248982=3
item-67248982=4
item-67248982=5
Costa Rican Stone Jaguar Metate
Costa Rican Stone Jaguar Metate
Item Details
Description
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A very nice example of a jaguar effigy metate depicting the wild feline standing on all fours with a broad, slightly convex back/table forming the grinding surface, expertly carved from one piece of volcanic stone with refined dimensions and skillfully incised details. Look at those bulging eyes, gnashing teeth/fangs, alert ears, and snarling snout as he stands proudly. In addition to this fabulous iconography, the piece is decorated with attractive striated bands around the periphery of the table. This is a particularly handsome example of this form. Size: 15" L x 7.75" W x 5.5" H (38.1 cm x 19.7 cm x 14 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 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.

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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.

#141158
Condition
Repaired from three large pieces. Repairs are excellently done and very difficult to discern. Weathering commensurate with age, with nice preservation of details.
Buyer's Premium
  • 24.5%

Costa Rican Stone Jaguar Metate

Estimate $1,500 - $2,000
See Sold Price
Starting Price $600
10 bidders are watching this item.

Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, us
See Policy for Shipping

Payment

Artemis Gallery

Artemis Gallery

badge TOP RATED
Louisville, CO, United States7,840 Followers
TOP