Ceremonial Grinding Table (Metate) in the Form of a Feline Possibly 500 - 1000

This Ceremonial Grinding Table, or Metate, was made by the Nicoya people, and is an example of ancient pottery. It’s made with a distinctive reddish-brown clay, formed into a feline shape with intricate geometric patterns on the legs. The choice of clay as a material, and the labor-intensive process of shaping and firing it, speaks volumes. The Metate embodies the ingenuity and skill of the Nicoya people. The smooth, curved surface of the table shows its primary function: grinding grains. But it’s also decorated with a feline head, an important motif, suggesting the Metate’s significance goes beyond basic food preparation. It's likely to have been used in rituals, connecting the everyday act of making food with spiritual beliefs. Looking closely, you can see how the texture of the clay and the imprints of the maker's hands contribute to its unique character. This challenges our traditional notions of art, and elevates the status of functional objects made with craft and care.