This ancient vessel offers us a marvelous opportunity to admire the ability and skill of the native people of Costa Rica. The tradition of polychrome painting in pottery commenced in 500AD. The black graphite paint that covers the body and face of this figure represents body tattoos. Red and black are the basic colors used to depict tattoos. Although the beautiful geometric designs may be decorative to our eyes, we can assume that the designs were symbolic and rich with ceremonial importance to the eyes of the ancient inhabitants of Costa Rica. Notice the precise, symmetrical design on the back of the figure. The harmonious proportions emanate an element of beauty in art and nature that results from the arrangement and balancing of size, shape and position on opposite sides of a center. Clearly this must relate to the harmonious oneness they felt with nature and among themselves. An elaborate headdress with white and black paint adorns his head and terminates into the spout of the vessel. We can only imagine what this vessel once held. This vessel of order, agreement and completeness radiates tones, thoughts and feelings that are much deeper and more pleasing than we may have at first recognized.