|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Basalt Jaguar Metates : Basalt Metate in the Form of a Jaguar
|
 |
|
|
|
Basalt Metate in the Form of a Jaguar - PF.2289
Origin: Costa Rica
Circa: 1
AD
to 500
AD
Dimensions:
6.375" (16.2cm) high
x 9.5" (24.1cm) wide
Catalogue: V11
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Basalt
Additional Information: K, SOLD
£9,000.00
Location: Great Britain
|
|
|
| Description |
This exquisite ceremonial metate was the
most
important ritual object of its time.
Serving as
a
special purpose, high-status grave
offering,
its
function as a metate was secondary to
its
form.
There is no evidence of its use as a
grinding
surface, for the rough interior area of
the
stone
bowl has not been smoothed by the use of
a
mano. In fact, this powerful object,
when
placed
in a tomb, represented both elite
control over
food production and the promise of
rebirth
and
new life. The jaguar form of the metate
is
almost
modern in its dynamism. Its head and
tail
are
incised with a geometric pattern,
perhaps
representing the animal's spots. The
long
tail,
which curves to the side and attaches
itself
to the
back leg, gives an appearance of swift
side-
to-
side movement. The fierce looking N-
shaped
incisors and teeth, coupled with the
curved
shape of the legs makes one expect to
see
the
animal move forward, adding an attribute
of
life
to this stone feline. The creative
artistry
evidenced in this piece and other
ceremonial
metates of its time contributed to the
creation of
the first freestanding sculpture in the
region.
The legacy of this jaguar continues into
the
present for its power and beauty is
still a joy
to
behold.
- (PF.2289)
|
| |
|
