This impressive piece of art is an amazing accomplishment coming from such an ancient society. The raise vessel sits upon the back of a stylized crocodile. The crocodile in turn is raised upon a hollowed out round base. This style enables the vessel to be placed over fire. The crocodile is covered with raised black dots to represent the skin. The mouth is opened and he is barring his vicious teeth. The nose is stylistic taking on human qualities. The vessel itself is rather tall. It is a red slip with painted white tribal designs at the top in a twisted rope pattern. The crocodile legs are rendered identically with black lines to highlight the claws and white geometric styled swirls to add decoration. The ingenuity of design displays to us the intelligent people we are dealing with. It also helps visualize the Costa Ricans in their day-to-day lives preparing food for the members of the tribe.