Chorrera Green Stone Feline Mortar

Ecuador, Ca. 1200 B.C. Interesting gray green flecked stone carved into a large abstract animal form; the exaggerated large head with incised toothy grin and large eyes. Behind is a massive tail curled, pierced and with heavy incised spiral. A deep mortar depression atop and four slight delineated feet below.  Size 2-1/4 in H. x 4-1/4 in Deep.Compare with a similar example in At the Heart of Pre Columbian America, Geiger Coll no 141.  Intact and choice. Ample age deposits.  Provenance: Kenneth Bower, The Lands Beyond Gallery 1280 Lexington Ave NY NY 1990s The grinder or mortar was part of a Shamans ritual tool kit which would have consisted of this grinding tray, snuffing tablets, tubes, and spatulas. The animal form of the grinder would link it to the spiritual otherworldly realm.