*Ceremonial metate

*Ceremonial metate

representing a Jaguar The animal's stylized body serves as a quadrangular, concave tray, whose rim is decorated with engraved motifs. The head and three angular feet are embellished with openwork interlacing. The eyes are engraved almond-shaped. The wide, flat muzzle is delicately incised and adorned with chevrons. The open, square-jawed mouth reveals the jaguar's characteristic fangs. The feline's neck is flanked by two opossums resting on their hind legs. They can be recognized by their long tails resting on their backs. On the jaguar's ears, two small felines can be seen holding on tightly. Brown trachyandesite Guanacaste - Nicoya, Costa Rica, 300 - 700 A.D. 40.2 x 43 x 108 cm Provenance : - Former Robert Vergnes collection, 1966 - Former Alexandre Bernand collection, 2010