Fragment of a Jar In the Form of a Human Head with a Wrapped-Textile Headdress c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel, created by the Moche culture of ancient Peru, dates back to between 100 and 500 CE. The striking piece, shaped as a human head with a textile headdress, is a prime example of Moche artistry. This ceramic, which is now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the Moche's talent for capturing human expressions and detailing intricate designs, such as the headdress and the facial features. The Moche people, known for their skilled craftsmanship, created a wide range of ceramic artworks that depicted scenes from their daily lives, mythology, and rituals.