A Costa Rican Decorated Stone Metate, ca. 800 - 1200 CE Sculpture - Stone pectorals are frequently found laid

pectorals are frequently found laid over the body of the deceased rather than draped around the neck

Carved from smooth white marble

his right arm raised to hold a now-missing weapon

thereafter private NYC collection

acquired from Tetragon

A Costa Rican Decorated Stone Metate, ca. 800 - 1200 CE Sculpture - Stone pectorals are frequently found laidThe metate is a type of grinding platform found in the ancient Americas; its forms vary from simple utilitarian to highly decorated ceremonial models. The curved grinding plate on this volcanic stone metate is decorated on the underside in raised relief with a central stylized figure having a human body and rectangular head, with the front leg incorporated as a long snout. The edge of the plate features a wide herringbone border. The plate stands on