Grinding Table (metate)

Metates were used to grind various foodstuffs such as tubers and maize. Those adorned with geometric and zoomorphic designs likely had ceremonial functions. Traces of wear suggest that they were used as grinding tables, but perhaps only for preparing food or other substances for special events and/or rituals. Some ceramic depictions of people seem to indicate that certain large metates could also sometimes serve as seating for individuals of high rank. When they were not in use it is possible that they were arranged against a wall, which would explain the presence of geometric motifs on the underside of this metate. In addition to such hypotheses, their function as a funerary offering is best substantiated, as many of these objects have been found in tombs.