The shape of the vessel closely resembles a human head and, in use, mimes the Òrìṣà’s invasion of human heads during possession-trance. The large eyes indicate that the Òrìṣà are omniscient and the shapes are indented to allow for the placing of sacred kolanuts in them. The prominence of blue pigment on the top indicates the vessel was probably dedicated to the goddess of the River Ògùn Yemọja.