Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed region, Nicoya, ca. 800 to 1500 CE. An exquisite and large metate, or royal throne, sculpted out of a single piece of volcanic rock. This royal seat of power is finely carved in the shape of a jaguar with stylized facial features. The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. Metates like these were used to seat a departed lord on his way to the afterlife. A magnificent example for its exceptionally large scale and rich symbolic value! Size: 22-1/2"L x 12-1/2"W x 10-3/8"H

This piece sold at Christie's 18 November 1982, Lot 312

Provenance: Ex-private Garrison collection, New York; acquired at Christie's auction 18 November 1982, lot 312 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #110271

  • Condition: The inherent porous nature of volcanic stone has a rough surface, surface wear as shown.

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October 22, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
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Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000