Costa Rican Stone Effigy Metate, Guanacaste-Nicoya region Late Period IV-Period V, ca. A.D. 300-700

the peccary with tapered snout baring teeth, diamond-shaped eyes and small perked ears, elaborately decorated over the head, legs and perimeter of the platform with a fluid meander of geometric designs.

Overall very good, has clean break and repair on left rear leg horizontally at midpoint. Otherwise fine, nice carving details on face and overall.
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.

Zoomorphic metates are a feature of both the Guanacaste-Nicoya and Atlantic Watershed regions. They show technical and artistic skill by carving a single large volcanic block into delicate and graceful forms with powerful imagery. Used for food production and ritual mortuary purposes, the altar and metate form also represent elite control over agriculture. The iconography reflects mythology associated with life, death and rebirth (Snarskis 1981:118).