Portrait head
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Portrait head
Maker
Moche
Date450-550 C.E.
GeographyPeru, South America
MediumCeramic
Dimensionsoverall: 8 3/4 in. x 8 in. x 6 1/4 in. (22.2 cm x 20.3 cm x 15.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Milly and Arne Glimcher (Mildred L. Cooper, Class of 1961)
Object number1994.85
Status
On viewRightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws
Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
More InformationThis bottle likely portrays a Moche ruler, possibly identifiable to his contemporaries by the bat emblem in his headdress and his individualized facial features. Large ear flares mimic the rosettes in his turban. Such vessels were produced in molds for wide distribution, perhaps as demonstrations of allegiance to the particular leader. Few of them survive today, though an almost identical vessel has been located in a Peruvian collection.
This object resembles Moche portrait vessels made on the North Coast of Peru around AD 450 - 550. A prime example is displayed in the case at the end of this gallery. In the binder on the shelf below, you will find a series of questions related to the significance and authenticity of this particular vessel. Feel free to use the resources included here, as well as your own eyes and common sense, to consider these questions. Your notes and observations will form part of an ongoing study of this ceramic