oA compelling, eloquent, and beautiful work of scholarship...This is a basic contribution to Maya studies and an exemplary affirmation of the power of multidisciplinary studies.O --David A. Freidel, American Anthropologist oReents-Budet and her collaborators examine eloborate Classic-period polychrome vessels...Careful, holistic consideration of vessel wear patterns, the chemical composition of the clays, the meaning of the painted inscriptions, artistic style, and provenenace, when known, has enabled Reents-Budet to argue convincingly that these pottery containers had significant uses as political gifts and elite service ware before their placement in gravelots.O --Gary M. Feinman, Hispanic American Historical Review