Lot 149

Large Costa Rican Stone Metate Jaguar-Form, CIRAM Tested

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Large Costa Rican Stone Metate Jaguar-Form, CIRAM Tested

Estimate: $7,000 - $10,500

Starting Bid: $3,500

(0 Bids)

June 11, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed., ca. 800 - 1200 CE. A very large jaguar effigy metate depicting the wild feline standing on all fours with a broad, slightly convex back/table forming the grinding surface, and a large hole drilled through the center, presumably for funneling its contents, expertly carved from one piece of volcanic stone with refined dimensions and skillfully incised details. What's more, the sculptor of this piece successfully created an expressive countenance; just look at those bulging eyes, gnashing teeth/fangs, alert ears, and snarling snout as he stands proudly. In addition to this fabulous iconography, the piece is decorated with attractive striated bands around the periphery of the table. A very special example! Size: 33.5" W x 12.5" H x 9.5" D (85.1 cm W x 31.8 cm H x 24.1 cm D)

This item has been tested by CIRAM Lab in France - one of the few labs in the world that is recognized for their ability to accurately test the authenticity of stone - and has been shown to be ancient as described.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-major gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, primarily acquired between 1985 and 2005

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Item # 202516

  • Condition: Minor losses to the edge of the table as shown. A remarkable example!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000