Naked and vulnerable this male figure seems as if he has just emerged into the harsh light of the modern age. His hands rest tenderly on his thigh, his head is cocked slightly, his mouth opens as if about to speak. His eyes are done so simply they look right back at you with clarity and a childlike inquisitiveness. Why was he made? What purpose did he serve for the ancient Maya? We do know the Maya were a highly ritualistic people. Much of their daily life was involved with ritual and ceremony on many different levels. When artists created something it was for a definite purpose and not a product of invention only. This figure is similar to Olmec types of small females made by women to represent members of their family. The tattooing on the upper portions of the legs suggests this person may have been from a wealthy family. Such statuettes are seen in ordinary situations with ritual associations. There may have been a connection with fertility cults, or representations of spirit entities, accounting for many being found in tombs. Whatever the precise purpose of this figure, there is no doubt that he is wonderfully human - with wit, humor and immediate friendliness that is irresistible.