There is a powerful aura, which surrounds this vessel with a mysterious story. The agonized expression and the rigidly drawn mouth suggest that this is a prisoner or sacrificial victim. The facial - paint motifs recall alligator symbols. The alligator motif is clearer on the vessel collar and on the back. During this period between 500AD and 800AD, Nicoya was defined as a buffer zone between Mesoamerica and tropical-forest cultures of the southern regions. There were sporadic intergroup resource competition and warfare. Head hunting and sacrifice of captives was common and may be indicative of population pressure or foreign intruders. Occasionally, a strong leader arose to form political control and defensive strategy. The leader organized several centers into an alliance for brief periods. Such a powerful leader may have once possessed this vessel in remembrance of the wars that he had won.