Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate
Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate

Pre-Columbian Costa Rican Effigy Metate

18247

$2,450
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • New York City gallery since 1996. ATADA member
  • Guaranteed authentic, with signed certificate of authenticity
  • Free US shipping on most pieces; insurance on request
  • International shipping calculated at checkout
  • 14-day returns

Questions about this piece? Text or call Howard.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Atlantic Watershed or Central Highlands region, circa 500–1000 CE.

This Pre-Columbian ceremonial effigy metate, fashioned from porous volcanic vesicular basalt, exemplifies the sophisticated lapidary traditions of ancient Costa Rica. Masterfully carved from a single piece of stone, the four-legged grinding table takes the form of a stylized feline, conventionally associated with the powerful predatory jaguar. The projecting head displays prominent rounded ears, concentric carved motifs across the crown, deeply incised eyes, and a pronounced squared snout. A slightly concave, oval grinding plate forms the creature's back, framed along its outer perimeter by a relief-carved register of alternating diagonal chevron and braided motifs. Extending from the rear, a stout, elegantly curved tail loops downward to fuse seamlessly with the rear leg, creating a closed loop that provides structural reinforcement. Both the legs and tail are richly embellished with an intricate lozenge and cross-hatched pattern reminiscent of feline spots or scales.

Size 13-1/2 in L.. x 5-3/8 in H.

Resting securely on four tapered columnar legs, this imposing ceremonial object exhibits an appealing, well-weathered grayish-brown surface with light burial accretions across the porous stone matrix, surviving in excellent structural condition with intact carvings and minimal edge wear consistent with its age and ritual use.

Ex Doral FL Collection of A.S.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. Insurance is available on request. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

New acquisitions by email

Be the first to hear about new pieces as they arrive.

You may also like

Recently viewed