This unique type of ceremonial grinding stone
was the most important ritual object of its time
in Costa Rica, serving as a very special burial
object for high status members of society. In
everyday life the metate as a utilitarian grinding
stone had the power to transform seeds and
kernels into flour. When placed in the tomb, the
metate symbolized for the deceased the
assurance of another type of transformational
rebirth, the beginning of new life. This particular
metate is one of the finest stone sculptures of its
kind, its grace and proportions quite
extraordinary. On it we see four Atlantean
monkey figures with arms upraised, supporting
the round plate of the metate, the tail of each
monkey gracefully raised to the right, joining the
elbow of the next monkey. About the rim of the
round metate plate are carved geometric patterns
that add to the elegance of design in this
stunning work of art. The Costa Rican artists
complete mastery of the medium coupled with
an aesthetic that was sensitive to the natural and
supernatural world, resulted in this highly
spirited masterpiece of sculpted stone, ageless in
its ability to stimulate our senses.
- (PF.2501)
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