Zoomorphic-effigy grinding stones such as this
powerful stone jaguar metate, masterfully carved
from a single piece of volcanic stone, were
extremely important ritual objects in Ancient
Costa Rica. Like all mankind, the Ancient Costa
Ricans sough to relieve the uncertainty of death.
This quest for immortality and reverence for
ancestors led to elaborate burial practices. The
metate as a grinding stone in every-day life had
the 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, to be honored and revered; it even
had certain 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 head with its snarling teeth,
the curled tail that appears to be twitching
dynamically from side to side, the slightly bent
legs with their skillfully carved patterns, all
combine to give this feline a timeless aura of
respect and power, befitting its ancient
ceremonial function. As we behold this feline
creature today we realize that the reverence with
which this metate was afforded in antiquity
clearly extends into present day.
- (PF.2371)
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