Small, bulbous vessel with a flattened base and two upright handles. The object has been smoothed, sanded and primed on both sides. Its exterior is painted and polished. The primer and paint are partially eroded. The restored object has several fractures. The pottery has a salmon-coloured undercoat, which is painted red and black on the outside of the vessel. A black band runs along the rim. Below this is a raised, circumferential line with black triangles. The body is painted red except for two opposing oval recesses. The ovals show a red, diamond-like motif, which is bordered by a thin, black outer line. The inside of the vessel remains undecorated. Symbolic meaning: the diamond-like depiction probably symbolises a lizard creature that has been shortened to the mouth. According to Lothrop 1926: Nicoya polychrome ware, alligator motif, type A. Cultural significance: the Galo and Carrillo Policromo groups (800-500d.C.) represent the first truly polychrome ceramics produced in the Gran Nicoya region. Their design (shape, colouring, individual motifs) is strongly reminiscent of the Ullua Policromo group (950-550d.C.). Lizard-shaped decorations are also known from the Costa Rican highlands (Protomen) and from the Gran Chiriquí region (painting). (Künne 2004)