This unique type of zoomorphic-effigy grinding
stone, carved from a single piece of volcanic
stone, was the most important ritual object in
Ancient Costa Rican culture. Like all mankind,
the Costa Ricans sought to relieve the fears and
uncertainties of death. A quest for immortality
and a reverence for ancestors led to elaborate
burial practices. The metate as a grinding stone
in every-day life had transformative 'power' to
change a seed or kernel into flour. Because of
this power, the metate became a symbol of
transformation in the human life cycle. When it
was placed in a tomb it represented the human
transformation of rebirth, the beginning of a new
life cycle. This striking metate, carved in the
stylized shape of a jaguar displays yet another
symbol of extreme importance to Ancient Costa
Rican society. The jaguar was regarded as the
most powerful animal in the world, honored and
revered for its ferocity as well as its divine
characteristics. In mythology, the most
important God, Maira, became the sun during
the day, making the long journey from east to
west over the lands. At night, however, Maira
assumed the form of a jaguar and stealthily
made his way from west to east, where in the
morning he would rise again in the form of the
sun. These commanding attributes of
transformation and power are artistically
portrayed in this stunning jaguar metate. The
powerfully carved patterns, all combine to give
this feline a timeless aura of respect and power,
benefiting its ancient ceremonial function. As we
experience this power today, we realize that
ancient works of art such as this Costa Rican
metate are timeless in their ability to evoke deep
and sensitive emotions. HT.
- (PF.2370)
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