Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A lovely metate, hand-carved from a single piece of grey volcanic stone. The concave grinding platform is supported by a three legs, and on the underside of the grinding platform is a beautiful angular meander border. What's more, a striated pattern surrounds the feet. Metate technology initially developed for the purpose of grinding corn; however, metates evolved into meaningful ritual objects over time, and were sometimes used as thrones for an elite lord and/or created for the lord's journey to the afterlife. Size: 18.75" L x 12.75" W x 9" H (47.6 cm x 32.4 cm x 22.9 cm)
The numerous uses of metates in ancient Mesoamerica suggest various symbolic meanings. The metate was created primarily to pulverize certain foodstuffs like seeds, certain varieties of plants, and most importantly maize. Maize has been a life source for ancient Costa Rican peoples for centuries, and its abundance during the harvest season was believed to indicate whether society as a whole would prosper or struggle in the coming months. The wealth of corn was also suggestive of not only the fertility of the land, but also those who tended to it. The rulers who used metates like this example as thrones would essentially be a physical embodiments of the assurance or dread felt within his people of the fertility and thus the survival of their land.
Provenance: ex-private Hillard collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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#147973
Condition
One corner surrounding one leg is reattached and presents a stable radiating crack as shown. Nice red pigment or iron deposits on underside. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Felt circles under feet to prevent scratching surfaces.