Metate Date Unknown

This anonymous work, "Metate," is a pair of stone tools made for grinding maize, a staple food in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The flat, rectangular "metate" serves as a grinding surface, while the hand-held, elongated "mano" is used to grind against it. The rough texture and dark color of the volcanic rock indicate the utilitarian nature of these tools, essential to daily life in the ancient world. This piece is a valuable example of pre-Columbian art and technology, showcasing the ingenuity and skill of the unknown artist.