Tripod millstone
Costa Rica, Atlantic side, sec. III-VII volcanic stone
Deepening
The sculpture is carved from a single block of stone consisting of a hollowed rectangular plane ending in a zoomorphic decoration. It is supported at the front by a cylindrical foot and at the back by two zoomorphic feet; the central underlying motif connecting the feet depicts two small monkeys. The millstones were used to grind corn and the most elaborate ones, like the present specimen, are believed to have been intended for ritual use.