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168 MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA 
The extremely elaborate metates (stones upon which 
maize was ground) from southern Nicaragua and north- 
ern Costa Rica probably were made by the producers of 
the peculiar pottery art already described. These were 
Up 
YY, 
Fig. 60. Jaguar design associated with Figurines that still retain 
Archaic Characters. Costa Rica. 
Fig. 61. Crocodiles from painted Nicoyan Vases. 
carved out of solid blocks of lava with stone tools. 
It is not unlikely that these elaborate metates were used 
as ceremonial seats since few of them show signs of use. 
The jaguar is perhaps the most common motive used 
in the decoration of these metates. The back is broad 
