Predatory cat-like head protome with attached nose, ears and eyes. The fragment probably belonged to an ovaloid jug. The object was smoothed, slurried, primed and painted. The primer and paint are partially eroded. The ceramic has a white-yellowish base colour, which was painted red and black-brown on the outside of the object. The realistic protome has rounded ears and protruding eyes. The creature depicted appears to be clutching its chin with its front paws. According to Lothrop 1926: Nicoya polychrome ware, animal effigy vessel. Cultural significance: the objects of the Papagayo Policromo group represent the beginning of polychrome painting on a white-yellowish ground in the Gran-Nicoya region. The tradition lasted until the Policromo Tardío (1350-1520d.C.). Its decoration shows a strong Mesoamerican influence. This manifests itself in the replacement of lizard and bat themes with depictions of cats of prey and snakes. Similar protomes also occur in Pacific Central America in the groups Pataky Policromo (1350-1000d.C.), Birmania Policromo (1350-1000d.C.), Jicote Policromo (1350-1000d.C.), Ulua Policromo (950-550d.C.) and in the Tohil-Plumbat pottery (1200-950d.C.). The ceramics served as supra-regional trade goods. (Künne 2004)