This beautifully shaped portrait vessel, found the along the Coast of Mexico in Veracruz, is a stunning work of art. At one time the people of Veracruz as a ceremonial drinking cup probably used this vessel. The highly expressive facial features on this piece are just slightly exaggerated and stylized. We see the ears, flared and pointed, may have served as handles on the cup. Striking, are the elegant arched eyebrows, half-massed eyes, and archaic smile that draw us into its meditative spell. Was the artist depicting a human or a God? Or perhaps even a ceremonial ball player? We can tell that the piece was once adorned with nose and ear jewelry, which suggest a figure of great importance. This impressive figure, whether God, man, or woman, was clearly important enough to be portrayed on a vessel.