Much like some believe ancient spirits continue to haunt the earth long after their death, sacred objects continue to retain their spiritual powers, accumulated through centuries of reverence, long after the civilization that created them fades into oblivion. This object, originally used to consume a Mayan concoction made from cacao and chilies, is one such example. The entire vessel is painted in beautiful red, orange, and black hues against the soft yellow of the clay. A narrow band decorates the upper rim, depicting a human face crowned in an extravagant headdress. The side panels of the body are painted with a seated figure crowned with an animal headdress alternating among four solid red panels. A yellow and orange zigzag motif adorns the foot of the vessel. The elaborate, intricately detailed painting of the vessel is stunning. The figures stand out against the red zones that frame them. Found in a tomb, surely this masterpiece was as important in the next life as it was in this world.