The two bowls comprising this piece were intended for the worship of two different Hittite or Syrian deities, who are depicted on panels on the vertical elements. During the worship of the sun-god, the larger bowl was used, so that the representation of the sun-god standing on a lion was right side up. When the object is turned over, the image of a deity standing on snakes, probably a weather god, appears right side up. Worshippers may have placed offerings or libations to the gods in the bowls.