Description
This striking ceramic portrait would have been used as a drinking vessel—possibly to hold chicha, a type of alcoholic maize drink consumed by the Moche people of Peru. Moche portrait head vessels portray individual members of society, rather than generic categories of people based on class or occupation. These portrait vessels are actually remarkable in this way—most ancient American depictions of humans are general rather than individual.
Looking closely at this man’s face, try to determine what might make him unique. His individual facial features, and particularly his distinctive scarring, make this specific Moche man easily distinguishable from others. His unique face has been found on 47 other drinking vessels, which represent this one man from youth through adulthood. The man was likely a wealthy member of the Moche elite to have so many vessels made in his image. His high social status is also indicated by the plugs visible in the man’s earlobes, an adornment likely reserved for the upper classes of Moche society.
Details
- Work Date:
- 200-500 CE
- Location:
- Gump Gallery
- Dimensions:
- Overall: 7 1/4 in x 7 1/4 in x 6 1/2 in; 18.4 cm x 18.4 cm x 16.5 cm
- Medium:
- Earthenware; with polychrome pigments
- Credit Line:
- Earthenware; with polychrome pigments