Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Greater Nicoya or Atlantic Watershed, Period IV, ca. 300 to 500 CE. A hand-carved basalt grinding platform called a metate in the form of an abstract feline standing on all fours. The slightly concave grinding platform has raised edges to mitigate spilling the freshly ground contents, and the feline's curved tail on the back acts as a functional handle. The protruding head exhibits elongated eyes, a squat snout with bared fangs, a furrowed brow, and a pair of perky ears. Elaborate linear motifs are incised across the brow and the exterior of each leg to create an eye-catching presentation. Metates were initially for the utilitarian purpose of grinding corn; however, the objects evolved into meaningful ritual objects, replete with strong iconography and intriguing sculptural forms. Size: 19.25" L x 11.125" W x 6.25" H (48.9 cm x 28.3 cm x 15.9 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Stanley L. Kaufman collection, prior to 1981

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#179589

Minor nicks and abrasions to head, body, legs, and tail, with softening to some finer details, light earthen deposits, and small chips around peripheries, otherwise intact and excellent. Great preservation to feline form.