Portrait Vessel of a Captive c. 100 - 500

This portrait vessel of a captive was created by the Moche people out of clay. The clay has been skillfully sculpted to form the figure of a seated man, his arms bound, and he is wearing a distinctive headdress. Notice the smooth, reddish-brown surface of the vessel. This finish was achieved through burnishing, a technique of rubbing the clay with a smooth object before firing. This would have compressed the clay particles, creating a polished, water-resistant surface. The Moche were master potters, and their ceramics were not only functional but also highly expressive. This vessel provides insight into Moche society. It speaks to us of conflict, hierarchy, and the role of captives, and it raises questions about labor, power, and the human cost of conquest. Considering the material and the making of this vessel allows us to understand the Moche not only as skilled artisans but also as participants in a complex social system.