This small vessel fits comfortably into our two hands. The gentle curves of the bowl conform perfectly to our cupped palms. No doubt, this masterful work of Mayan pottery played an intricate role in long forgotten rituals. In our hands, this vessel exudes an ancient energy more lasting than time. Much like some believe ancient spirits continue to haunt the earth, sacred objects continue to retain their spiritual powers accumulated through centuries of reverence. The body of the bowl has been separated into two sections divided by a red ring. A series of painted glyphs decorate the upper band while an abstract pattern of vertical red and orange bars adorns the bottom. There exists an elegance in the simplicity of this vessel. The glyphs, resembling a stylized face and a swirling wave, indicate the significance of the creation; perhaps they allude to the fallen king or dignitary along whom it was entombed. Surely, such an extraordinary bowl had a meaning greater than its most basic function. Unfortunately, this mystery remains unsolved. However, the beauty of the vessel remains as stunning and clear as the day it was fired.