Polychrome Vessel in the Form of a Buzzard

The buzzard-effigy vessel is a striking example of some of the works created by Costa Rican artists. This particular artifact uses color to bring the buzzard true to life. The buzzard has a pronounced white beak and large black eyelids. There is a continual pattern of spots along the tail and on the underside of the neck. This spotted design is painted in a yellowish-orange color and black spots dot the middle. The three- dimensional qualities set this piece apart from others coming out of this period. The elegant design gives the buzzard the quality of taking off for flight. The everyday use of this vessel was most likely to store seeds or maize. It is not a functional design for pouring water even though there is a hole on the breast which one could draw conclusions of that added effect. From an artistic standpoint this artifact is aesthetically pleasing to look at and to ponder its true functional design. It is easy to imagine this piece placed in their home filled with beans ready to be cooked.