Fragment of a Vessel in the Form of a Puma c. 100 - 500

This ceramic sculpture, created by the Moche culture of ancient Peru between 100 and 500 CE, depicts the head of a puma. The detailed, painted features of the puma's face, including its bared teeth and piercing eyes, are characteristic of Moche artistry. This fragment, likely part of a larger vessel, highlights the Moche people’s reverence for this powerful feline, a common motif in their art and religion. The use of red and white pigments on a buff-colored background is also typical of Moche ceramic art. This small but striking piece is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Moche civilization.