Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. An attractive 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 on all fours with a curled tail. In addition to this fabulous iconography, the piece is decorated with incised stylized meander bands around the periphery of the table and diamond motifs on the legs and tail. This is a particularly handsome example of this form. Size: 14.375" L x 6" W x 4.75" H (36.5 cm x 15.2 cm x 12.1 cm)
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. 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.
Provenance: private Probst collection, Monterey, California, USA, acquired in 1980s from Butterfield & Butterfield, San Francisco, California, USA
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#145032
Condition
Old chip to one rear leg and normal surface wear commensurate with age. Otherwise intact and excellent. (Amazing that those legs and tail never broke off!) One green felt pad beneath one foot. Scattered mineral deposits across the surface.