A ceremonial stone metate from the Guanacaste-Nicoya region, Costa Rica. Made from gray volcanic stone, the long curving platform is supported by openwork zoomorphic tripod legs with two projecting stylized bird heads at one end. The upper surface is carved at one end in low relief with geometric interlaced motifs. The underside is decorated with low-relief carving in a mat pattern or interlocking plaited design. The geometric interlace may represent the woven mat which was a common sign of authority is Meso America. The position of the design under the concave plate suggests that the metate was stored with the underside exposed – please see multiple views below. There are no repairs on this metate.

The documentation for this piece includes the stamped and dated original exportation license from San Jose, Costa Rica dated April 21, 1970. It measures 19.5” long, 10” wide and 10” high. Ca A.D. 300-700. Ex Elayne Marquis, San Francisco.  #1629  $3900