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Large, Zoomorphic Metate, Pre-Columbian Costa Rica browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian: Pre 1492: item # 719938
Janus Antiquities By Appointment New Jersey (330) 612-3957 Guest Book SOLD |
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A metate is a solid, flat object used for grinding grains, typically corn in Mesoamerica, into meal or flour for use in cooking. Grains scattered on the metate would be ground with a hand-held stone called a mano until crushed, then brushed off into a collection basin. Pre-Columbian Costa Rica had a rich tradition of making highly elaborate, frequently votive metates out of volcanic stone, particularly in the Atlantic Highland region. This example was carved in the form of jaguar, with head, tail, and legs, along with an ornate step pattern along the sides. However, unlike many decorated metates on the market, this example shows sign of long use with a highly smooth grinding surface. Ex-Arte Primitivo.
AGE: 850-1200 AD CONDITION: Intact and in good shape with no repairs. DIMENSIONS: Grinding surface is 12" long and 6.5" wide. The whole piece is 14.5" long and 3" tall (36.83 cm and 7.62cm, respectively). |
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