This unique type of ceremonial grinding stone was the most important ritual object of its time in Costa Rica, serving as a very special burial object for high status members of society. In everyday life the metate as a utilitarian grinding stone had the power to transform seeds and kernels into flour. When placed in the tomb, the metate symbolized for the deceased the assurance of another type of transformational rebirth, the beginning of new life. This particular metate is one of the finest stone sculptures of its kind, its grace and proportions quite extraordinary. On it we see four Atlantean monkey figures with arms upraised, supporting the round plate of the metate, the tail of each monkey gracefully raised to the right, joining the elbow of the next monkey. About the rim of the round metate plate are carved geometric patterns that add to the elegance of design in this stunning work of art. The Costa Rican artists complete mastery of the medium coupled with an aesthetic that was sensitive to the natural and supernatural world, resulted in this highly spirited masterpiece of sculpted stone, ageless in its ability to stimulate our senses.