These matched bowls display six birds in interlocking cartouches. Pink roseate spoonbills occupy aqua rings, and green quetzal birds occupy pink ones. Typical of Maya creativity, each bird is depicted in a slightly different position, giving rhythm and variety to the overall design.

 Roseate spoonbills are large wading birds with bright pink feathers. Quetzal birds are rare, magnificent tree-dwellers with iridescent green feathers, vibrant red chests, and long emerald tails. The Maya considered spoonbills and quetzals to be sacred. Pink associated the spoonbill with life-giving blood; green related the quetzal to agriculture. Feathers from both birds were frequently used in the ceremonial headdresses and fans of Maya rulers, who often took the name k'uk', the word for quetzal in Mayan, as part of their title.