Portrait vessel c. 6th century

This ceramic vessel, created by the Moche people of ancient Peru around the 6th century, is a striking example of their artistic skill. Known as "Portrait Vessels", these ceramic sculptures were used to hold liquids and often depicted individuals of importance. The vessel's simplified form and stylized features of the face, including large eyes and a wide mouth, reflect the Moche aesthetic. The vessel’s rounded shape and decorative details, like the headband, make it a beautifully crafted piece of Pre-Columbian art.