Ingeniously carved from a single piece of volcanic
rock with only stone and wood tools plus
abrasives, this engaging ceremonial metate is a
brilliant example of the ancient Pre-Columbian
sculptural artistry of the Atlantic Watershed zone
of Costa Rica. Serving as a very special burial
object for high status members of society, the
metate symbolized a transformation for the
deceased, a rebirth, the beginning of new life.
The transformational qualities of this metate
echo the altering aspects of the everyday
utilitarian metate that transformed seeds and
kernels into flour. Another important symbol
that is manifested in this extraordinary metate is
that of the jaguar. The Costa Ricans regarded
jaguars as the most powerful animal in the
world; to be honored and revered they even had
certain divine characteristics. In Ancient Costa
Rican mythology, the most important God Maira,
was the sun during the day, making the journey
from east to west over the land. At night,
however, Maira assumed the form of a jaguar
and stealthily made his way from the west back
to the east, where in the morning he would rise
once again in the form of the sun. The jaguar
image that forms this metate most certainly
exudes a spirited power that befits his divine
qualities. While the jaguar forms the central
component of this ceremonial metate, monkey
figures perch beneath the jaguar, adding an
element of dramatic excitement to this sculpted
masterpiece. Clearly, the ancient artist who
created this carved stone metate was an
exceptional sculptor and had an astute
awareness of the natural world surrounding him.
How fortunate we are today to be able to
experience his vibrant and spirited creation. HT.
- (PF.2504)
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