It was a common practice of the ancient Costa Ricans to create extraordinary ceramic objects for burial in tombs. Unearthed after centuries, these works of art reveal much about a society's cultural life. Especially in an object of such beauty as this vessel for holding chocolate was considered a great luxury in Costa Rican society, valued even more highly than gold. The elaborate design of this vessel, plus the contents which it held, indicates it was made for the funeral of a noble person or member of the elite classes. The fact a very skilled artist was used is abundantly evident when examining its details. The whole object is beautifully balanced--the legs taper down to a sharp point and curve outwards. This has the effect of adding harmony and concentric unity to the entire object. The wonderfully carved parrots contribute not only decorative details, but give the impression of energy and movement. Birds were often depicted as representing spirits of the dead or of deities. Here, their wings are spread in full flight, as one might imagine a soul on its way to the other world. There is great power in this vessel. With such perfect proportions, it adds a new dimension to our own world.