ART 198 - HISTORY OF WORLD CERAMICS

Among the most recognizable of the Moche ceramics are the stirrup spout vessels in the form of portrait heads. Each is highly realistic and the facial features on no two are alike, leading to the inevitable conclusion that these were indeed portraits of specific individuals, and that, moreover, the subjects undoubtedly 'sat' for their portraits. Note the face in particular, painted in two colors, exactly the same as the seated Moche lord in another slide. This is thought to indicate facial painting, but could represent tatooing. The eyes were inlaid with semi precious stones and stucco, but this has been mostly lost. Most such portrait vases depict men with hair cut neatly to neck length, and that can be clearly seen here. This vessel also shows the man as wearing a tight-fitting woven cap, with the textile design painted in detail. While the forms were mold made, the surface embellishment was hand modeled. These vessels were placed in burials of the Moche ruling class.

Moche stirrup spout vessel in the form of a portrait head, North Coastal Peru Classic Period, 200-800 CE