Jaguar- effigy vessels form a classic style of Nicoya-Guanacaste Polychrome. They belong to the Pataky Polychrome type, which combines realistic modeling of the feline head with a humanlike pose of paws on legs. Certain characteristics vary depending upon the individual artist's taste. This delightful vessel has the added human elements of very expressive eyes and large ear spools. The elaborate decorations contain typical man-jaguar themes in the form of darts and speech scrolls, and function as a language of symbols for those who understood their complex meaning. The interweaving of reddish- brown and black is particularly effective and aids in distinguishing the different characters, and gives the entire vessel a sense of vital energy. The design under the jaguar's chin may depict an abstract human face, as is often seen in similar vessels. The jaguar was considered the most powerful of animals and was a living symbol of the sun-devouring Mesoamerican god. Only a master artist is capable of communicating esoteric ritual through the medium of something beautiful and exciting; and by doing so, communicates directly with us.