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THBLarge Costa Rican Stone Tripod Metate
Lot 26b
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$2,000 - $3,000
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
May 10, 2018
Set Reminder
2018-05-10 10:00:00
2018-05-10 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Fine Ethnographic / Asian / Ancient Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-ethnographic-asian-ancient-art-3213
Featuring antiquities from around the world including Pre-Columbian, Tribal, Classical, Asian, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring antiquities from around the world including Pre-Columbian, Tribal, Classical, Asian, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (407)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. Hand-carved from a single piece of grey volcanic stone, this is a large ceremonial metate. The edges are decorated with conical, tooth-like protrusions, and the metate itself stands on three elongated rectangular legs. The grinding surface of the metate is deeply curved and thin. Metate technology developed initially for the utilitarian purpose of grinding corn; however, they evolved into meaningful ritual objects and ones with animal iconography were used to seat a departed lord for his journey to the afterlife. Size: 16.5" L x 12.75" W x 8.375" H (41.9 cm x 32.4 cm x 21.3 cm).
The many uses of metates in ancient Mesoamerica signify its many 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 ruler who likely used metates like this example as a throne would essentially be a physical embodiment of the assurance or dread felt within his people of the fertility and thus the survival of their land.
Provenance: collection of the late Alfred E. Stendahl, Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA
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.
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#126372One corner and midpoint repaired with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Two of three legs reattached with adhesive residue along break lines. Surface wear commensurate with age and use, small chips and nicks to peripheries, conical protrusions, and grinding surface, with some discoloration, otherwise very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.Condition
- Shipping Info
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