Portrait Vessel of a Young Man with a Scarred Lip c. 100 - 500

This portrait vessel of a young man with a scarred lip was made by the Moche people of ancient Peru. Vessels like this are not merely decorative, they tell us a great deal about the Moche culture. The fact that this is a portrait suggests the importance of individual identity within their society. The depiction of the man's scarred lip is particularly intriguing. Was this scar a mark of honor, an indication of social status, or perhaps the result of conflict? The scar might reflect the social conditions of the time. These vessels are often found in burial sites, suggesting a connection to rituals around death and remembrance. The Art Institute of Chicago is a long way from Peru, but is one of many institutions around the world that preserve Moche artifacts and enable researchers to understand this ancient society. Through careful study, and by examining these artifacts in their cultural context, we can better understand the Moche and their place in history.