Deep, four-legged stone bowl. The sculpted object depicts a standing feline predator whose torso was designed as a container. There are two circumferential, engraved friezes on the outside of the bowl wall. The high panel shows two intertwined bands (guilloche motif). The lower frieze depicts several horizontal wavy lines. A medium-sized head protome is positioned at the junction of the two panels. It has two small upturned ears, round eyes, decorated temples and a half-open mouth. The sculpturally depicted creature has a curved tail with geometric engravings. It forms a large, vertical round handle that extends below the base of the bowl to the point where the opposing head protome is attached. The four deep legs of the well-preserved object have engraved geometric decorations. There is a large missing part on the left wall of the bowl. The engravings on the legs appear to imitate the decorations on the bowl wall. Symbolic meaning: the guilloche motif is considered a diagnostic indicator for the late phase of the Policromo Medio (1350-800d.C.) in the ceramics of the Gran Nicoya region. It is often interpreted (Ferrero 1975: 405) as two serpent's bodies intertwined. However, the same decoration can also symbolise textile or wickerwork. Cultural significance: similar objects also appear as ceramics in the Gran Nicoya region and in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. They generally belong to the mould inventory of the Birmania Policromo group (1350-1000d.C.). (Künne 2005)