Vessel in the Form of a Skull c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel in the form of a skull is a prime example of Moche artistry from ancient Peru. Dated to between 100 and 500 CE, the vessel is crafted in a realistic style, with the skull's features and intricate details rendered in red paint on a light-colored background. The Moche were known for their exquisite ceramics, often depicting scenes from their daily lives, mythology, and rituals. This vessel, shaped like a skull, likely served a ceremonial purpose, possibly for holding offerings or beverages in rituals related to death and the afterlife.