A scene carved into the body of the vessel decorates the majority of the exterior. The scene, covered in an orange hue, contains a human figure, possibly a god, and a creature that appears to be both canine and reptile. The man wears a typical Mayan royal costume including a large headdress, earrings, and a swooping nose ornament adorned with a leaf at the tip. On one side, he holds a long staff. Baring sharp teeth and squinting eye, the creature raises one leg towards the staff. One detail that is most intriguing: the beast’s tail grows into a tree. Clearly this hybrid animal must have a mythological significance. Even more important is the symbolic interaction between the two. The other half of the scene shows the human, perhaps winged, bending over the back of the beast. The animal turns his head around and they stare at each other, their noses almost touching. These two figures have a most intimate personal relationship. Perhaps this panel tells the tale of a king or god who tamed this wild creature, thus inheriting its tremendous powers. This masterpiece of carved pottery must have played a vital role in long forgotten rituals. Rediscovered in a tomb, this vessel was as important in the next life as it was in this one.