The seated male and female figures, whether on cylinders, wall murals or as small statues, are some of the most express works of art the Maya artists created. They usually depict someone of the noble class, and occasionally the king himself. A figure such as this charming example may have been made as a representation of a well-known personage. Or was meant to show an individual in a ritual pose, perhaps having just taken hallucinogenic drugs in preparation for a bloodletting ceremony. The dignity, elegance and feeling of serenity is typical of such figures, and further indicates a religious purpose behind its creation. This male is cross-legged, wearing earspools and a headdress composed of dual curled bands with a conical shaped soft cap. His back is very straight in an attitude of reverence, either before his king or his gods. It is the wonder of Maya art that they could make something that can fit in the palm of your hand, with such power and presence that has remained undiminished for so long.