**Originally Listed At $500**
Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A tripodal metate and mano, carved from volcanic stone. The metate is supported by three legs and a has a gently sloped surface for grinding on. This metate was created by the indigenous huetares (also called guetares or pacacuas) peoples who resided in the center of Costa Rica and were known for stone sculptures, metates, and altars. 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 (metate): 19.75" L x 13.75" W x 10.7" H (50.2 cm x 34.9 cm x 27.2 cm); (mano): 11.5" L x 2.875" W (29.2 cm x 7.3 cm)
Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s
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 customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. #161956
Condition
Both pieces have light pitting commensurate with stone type, otherwise intact and very good. Light surface smoothness to metate top indicative of use.