One of the most exciting things to discover is a work of art that has more than one function. The mortars and metates of Ancient Costa Rica are just such objects that have a utilitarian purpose, as well as being tools of propaganda. People today still grind corn and other foods on hard volcanic stone. The mortar, such as this delightful and lovely example, is perfectly designed to sit next to and use comfortably. While using it a person would have been aware that is was made for an important individual of the elite classes, and reminded of the fact it was the nobility who kept the land free from invasion and the food plentiful.