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The jaguar metate, what are the things that it would be used to grind?

Metates are generally used to grind maize or other plants. This Jaguar Metate from Costa Rica was probably used for ceremonial purposes. It has very little signs of everyday use.

This is a strange table, what was it used for?

It looks like a table, but it's actually a metate or grinding stone. It comes from Costa Rica. It is very elaborate and doesn't show any signs of use, so it was likely a ceremonial object. The jaguar, one of the most powerful land-based animals in the region, was often tied to power and royalty.

What kind of items would people grind with this metate? How was it used in ceremonies?

This particular metate likely only served a ceremonial/symbolic purpose rather than a practical one as it doesn't show any signs of wear. Although, we're not exactly sure how it was worked into ceremonies, we do know that the jaguar, as the largest feline predator in Central America, often symbolized power and royalty.

In daily life, less ornately decorated metate were used to grind maize and other plants for cooking.

Metate

Arts of the Americas

This metate, or grinding stone, was most likely a ceremonial object. The diamond-shaped relief carvings on the head and tail, and the circular designs on the legs probably represent the animal’s spotted fur.

Jaguars are frequently represented in Costa Rican objects. As fierce predators, they were revered and feared for their agility and strength. These qualities fit the animal’s supernatural aspect as a deity of the underworld, darkness, and death.

MEDIUM Volcanic Stone

Place Found: Mercedes Farm, Costa Rica

DATES 1000–1400

DIMENSIONS 7 x 9 5/16 x 18 1/4 in. (17.8 x 23.7 x 46.4 cm)

COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas

ACCESSION NUMBER 34.5088

CREDIT LINE Alfred W. Jenkins Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Carved jaguar metate with four tall animal legs, a snarling jaguar head at one end, and a long curved tail attached to the rear right leg. The plate is square-shaped with rounded sides and raised walls making it look like a shallow bowl. The jaguar head is finely carved with raised ears, circular eyes, a long nose, and a snarling mouth with exposed fangs. The top of the animal's head and tail are decorated with carved geometrical designs, and the legs with carved circles. Condition: excellent.

EXHIBITIONS

American Art

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view