Metates such as this Guanacaste-Nicoya example originated in Central Mexico and were continuously traded and produced by immigrants to the Greater Nicoya region throughout the Classic period.Volcanic activity in the area led to high deposits of igneous rock utilized in various Guanacaste-Nicoyan sculptures and everyday objects. While metates were common objects, highly decorated grinders would be used to grind ritual herbs and symbolized another important act in the production of maize food stuffs.This metate carved with geometric patterns and an abstracted bird’s head may have served as a throne to an elite. Abstract birds with curved beaks were prevalent motifs in this period, notably reproduced in various stone sculptures and jade pendants. In Aztec mythology Huitzilopochtli is a creator god personified as a hummingbird. Hummingbirds were believed to be reincarnations of warriors,Cartwright, Mark. “Huitzilopochtli.” World History Encyclopedia, 27 Mar. 2022, https://www.worldhistory.org/Huitzilopochtli/. therefore this sculpture may have been created as an effigy.

Metate