The objects and their functions are categorized according to the way they are perceived, on the cultural setting of the present-day people and the similarity of shape between Precolumbian artifacts and modern or traditional utensils. The most common re-utilization of antiquities is the use of ceramics. Vessels that haven't been sold, start a new life in the chiclero camps as containers of all sorts of things, from ballpoint pens to rubber bands. But those who benefit most from the abandoned ceramics are women, who use them frequently in their kitchens to contain flour, eggs, salt, dried soups, spices, chilies, and corn dough for traditional foods. Felicita Barrera, a cook from La Toronja camp, with the bowl she uses to contain tortillas.
Ceramics are almost always present in the kitchens of all the village houses and chiclero camps.
Eating from a Precolumbian plate or bowl is not strange because their shapes are a clear demonstration that they were made by the Maya to contain food. Kitchens are where Precolumbian objects are most needed and therefore used and cared for most effectively. Most of the women who gave their opinion about the quality of these wares, explained that they like them because they come in different styles, are more original because they are not manufactured anymore, and they are free. This process consists of putting warm water in the vessel and gradually bringing it to a boil. However, not all the objects are safe from destruction.