Mastery of any art form requires time, talent and creativity. In the case of ancient art forms, the artist most often required a command of the philosophies, calendar system and history of his or her culture, as well. Thus, the ancient artist of the Maya who created and painted this fine vessel was not only an artist, but also probably one of the most educated citizens in society. There are three evident sections comprising this vessel. The upper portion is filled with an exciting creature, unknown to our contemporary knowledge that is shown in repetition. The upper and lower portions are divided by a "fish net" design, which flows into the design below. The lower portion is filled with a rather esoteric design. The numerous dot notations may be related to time. It has been well established that the Maya were obsessed with time and their calendar system. Another idea may lead us to believe that the lower portion is corn and the net is protecting the corn from invading insects depicted on the upper portion. As mysterious as this painted vessel may be, one thing is for certain; this distinctively Maya art form captures our imagination and admiration with its beauty and rarity.