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 is one such example. Geometric polychrome patterns abound on the interior and exterior of this vessel. The most prevalent motif is that of a tiered, triangular form recalling the contours of a step-pyramid. The interior rim is decorated by a band of pseudo-glyphs, including one that appears to be a bird with its wings spread wide open. The painter of this vessel has masterfully combined the various orange, red, and brown hues that naturally flow into each other, creating an effect similar to a sunset. Found in a tomb, buried along side a fallen king or important dignitary, this extraordinary bowl was presumably as essential in the afterlife as it was in this world.