A Costa Rican Stone metate, Guanacaste-Nicoya style, Late Period IV, ca. A.D. 300-700

the fierce and imposing feline's face with features composed of lizards forming the perked ears, the nose as a frog with legs spread out and curling back into the brows, with large lunate eyes, and openwork neck adorned with a tubular nose ornament, the rectangular platform supported on tripod legs with openwork designs and tightly coiled projections; in gray basalt.

Acquired over 40 years ago

Many areas of repair, quite typical of these large and more fragile metates. The upper left corner of platform is restored, long break vertically and 2-3 horizontal breaks also on platform; repaired at the neck and various spots of the face including lower jaw. Two of the tripod legs (the front and the back left) have restored portions of the forward openwork areas.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

These delicate and masterfully carved openwork effigy metates are considered Nicoya style, but have been found in the northern Atlantic Watershed regions, extending into present day Nicaragua. Elaborate metates have been found broken in caches that include small precious ornaments. For closely related examples, see Jones, Kan and Snarskis (1981: cat. nos. 77 and 78), and Deletaille (1992: figs. 230 and 231).