Portrait Vessel of a Ruler with Face Paint and Large Earflares c. 100 - 500

This portrait vessel of a ruler with face paint and large ear flares was created by the Moche people out of clay. The smooth, reddish-brown clay gives the vessel its distinctive color and earthy feel. The process of molding, firing, and painting, likely done by skilled artisans, transformed humble earth into a powerful representation of leadership. Notice the stirrup spout at the top. This form is typical of Moche pottery, and it's more than just decoration. It's a practical design that controls liquid flow, suggesting the importance of daily life rituals. The precise rendering of the ruler's features – his determined expression, elaborate headdress, and ear ornaments – all speak to the status and power he possessed in Moche society. Here, materials and making come together to embody cultural values and beliefs. It bridges the gap between the practical and the symbolic, reflecting the artistry embedded in everyday life.