Handeled Jar with a Painted Relief Depicting a Procession of Deceased Figures c. 100 - 500

This ceramic jar, created by the Moche culture of ancient Peru, dates back to between 100 and 500 CE. The vessel is decorated with a raised relief depicting a procession of deceased figures, likely a funerary ritual. The figures are stylized in the Moche tradition, with elongated limbs and exaggerated features. The use of red slip on the relief highlights the figures against the pale background, creating a striking visual contrast. This type of ceramic artwork is a testament to the Moche's sophisticated artistic skills and their belief in the afterlife. The jar is now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of ancient Peru.