Interesting Basalt Metate Jaguar Barakat Gallery

Basalt Metate in the form of Jaguar 6.375 inches (16.2cm) high x 9.5 inches (24.1cm) wide 1st Century AD to 5th Century AD This exquisite ceremonial metate was the most important ritual object of its time. Serving as a special  purpose, high-status grave offering, its function as a metate was secondary to its form. There is no  evidence of its use as a grinding surface, for the rough interior area of the stone bowl has not been  smoothed by the use of a mano. In fact, this powerful object, when placed in a tomb, represented both  elite control over food production and the promise of rebirth and new life.  The jaguar form of the metate is almost modern in its dynamism. Its head and tail are incised with a  geometric pattern, perhaps representing the animal's spots. The long tail, which curves to the side and  attaches itself to the back leg, gives an appearance of swift side-to-side movement. The fierce looking  N- shaped incisors and teeth, coupled with the curved shape of the legs makes one expect to see the  animal move forward, adding an attribute of life to this stone feline. The creative artistry evidenced in this  piece and other ceremonial metates of its time contributed to the creation of the first freestanding  sculpture in the region. The legacy of this jaguar continues into the present for its power and beauty is  still a joy to behold. For more details or further reading please click on the image above. Barakat Gallery London: 58 Brook Street, Mayfair, London +442074937778  Beverly Hills: 421 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California +13108598408 Seoul: 58-4, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, South Korea +821034973413 #fineartmagazine