Sometimes a small artifact, part of daily life, held and used by vanished hands, puts us in intimate touch with the world that created it. Roller seals were used throughout a large part of Ancient America to create patterned body paint or to decorate cloth. Dipped in pigment, these seals were rolled over the surface to form a repeated design. This charming little example depicts an abstract monkey with a curved tail, surrounded by geometric patterns. As we gaze upon its elegant simplicity, we share our pleasure with those whose life it ornamented centuries ago.