This type of vessel was used for holding beer, water, or porridge, and is known locally as awäl. Although the rim may have been blackened by burning, the majority of decoration has been applied using a technique similar to that used by the Northern and Southern Larim, who incise a pattern into the surface using a needle, then rub charcoal over the lines to colour them. It differs from that used by the Dinka, who mark out their designs in charcoal, cut them into the surface with an iron needle then burn them in using a heated spear or knife blade.