Metate in the shape of a jaguar The curved rectangular... Lot 17

Metate in the shape of a jaguar The curved rectangular top rests on three openwork feet. The ends are engraved with a band of braided patterns on one side of geometric motifs on the other. The head of the feline projected to the front shows a magnific work of openwork with interlacing on the skull and neck, on each side of the nose and at the level of the jaw to de-gage the fangs. The oval eyes are circled and cross-hatch motifs decorate the muzzle. The stylized animal is brought to life by the presence of its tongue, which emerges from the mouth. The openwork feet are also enriched with engravings. A stylized bird motif can be seen on the back feet. The quality of execution and the richness of its iconography make this work a stone lace. Grey volcanic stone with brown patina Condition: Broken and glued back together (visible on the photos) Atlantic slope, Period IV-V, Costa Rica 300 - 700 AD H. 37 - L. 93 - W. 40. cm Provenance: - Private collection, New Jersey, acquired before the 1960s. - Bonhams sale, New York, 12.05.2012, Lot 13. - Private collection, France.