Contemporary research into Ancient Costa Rican iconography is beginning to shed light on the complex symbols seen on their artwork. It is most likely that the designs on this beautiful bowl had an intellectual, as well as an aesthetic, meaning for the artist. Where ritualistic symbolism ends and pure invention begins is a matter of speculation. But what is not in doubt is the perfect form and balance of this object, with its two-zoomorphic heads peering out from the upper section. Underneath the heads thick curved black bands effectively represent arms, and also differentiate the body. The heads stare upwards as if seeing an extraordinary vision. Around the neck of the vessel thick vertical red bands and narrow black lines divide black triangles. Between this arrangements is a complex pattern full of energy, contrasting to the other more static decorations. The overall effect is a vessel that is beautifully contained within itself, as if occupying a separate world, and yet accessible to those who can appreciate its uniqueness.