Portrait Vessel of a Ruler c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel, created by the Moche culture of ancient Peru between 100 and 500 CE, is a striking example of their artistic mastery. Shaped like a human head, the vessel features a stylized face with prominent eyes, a large nose, and a closed mouth. The head is adorned with a headdress, which may indicate the status of the individual depicted. This Portrait Vessel, likely used for ceremonial purposes, exemplifies the Moche's ability to combine realistic detail with symbolic representation in their artwork, revealing insights into their societal structure and beliefs.