Ceremonial table resting on an openwork pedestal.... Lot 109

Ceremonial table resting on an openwork pedestal. The perimeter of the tray is adorned with six feline heads with attentive and protective expressions. This table was probably used by the shamans to prepare potions with hallucinogenic virtues, it could also be used to deposit the hearts of enemies sacrificed during magical-religious ceremonies. Sculpted and semi-polished volcanic stone. Chiriqui, Panama, 1000 to 1520 AD 26 x 38.7 cm Provenance: Robert Vergnes, 1980 Bibliography: "Costa Rican stonework", Alden Mason, American Museum of Natural History, New York 1945, plate 27, fig. B. for a very similar table from the former Minor C. Keith collection.