From the depths of the great Guanacaste-Nicoya Zone of the culturally rich country of Costa Rica, history and art combine to tell us a story. This artistic vessel may express one or many of the ancient stories or mythologies relating to the jaguar. The applied jaguar head is painted with bulging eyes and growling mouth. The nose protrudes and is painted orange. The entire mouth is outlined with a heavy orange line. The jaguar's paw rests at the chin. The artist in following the swelling contours of this globular vessel has paid careful attention. The border on the top is filled with intricately painted elements of various motifs. Below the mouth rim, there is a row of hook designs. The swirling designs on the bottom border may refer to water. Heavy black stripes tie together the top and bottom of the vessel. This vessel may have served an important function during shaman rituals. The artistic ingenuity and beautiful shape of this vessel makes its a masterpiece of well-developed skill and remarkable creativity.