Like many ancient cultures, ancient Maya created vessels like this one that would be used both for practices in daily life and as offerings in a burial for one’s afterlife. The vessels often have dynamic patterns of scenes that are decorated with mythological imagery. For example, many artists included jaguars on vessels such as this bowl, which references the mythological origins that the Maya believed they emerged from. Jaguars are seen in many ancient cultures’ pottery due to their symbolism. To the Maya, jaguars were recognized as the rulers of the Underworld and could travel between earthly and spiritual realms. As such, they represent power and earned great respect by the Maya people. - (PF.3438)