Handle Spout Vessel in the Form of a Figure with Modeled Head, Spout Missing c. 100 - 500

This Handle Spout Vessel in the Form of a Figure with Modeled Head, created by the Moche civilization between 100 and 500 AD, is an excellent example of the distinctive artistry of this ancient Peruvian culture. The vessel's modeled head, with its exaggerated features, depicts a figure adorned with large earrings. The arms, painted in red, encircle the vessel's body, adding a sense of dynamism and movement to this ceramic masterpiece, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. The Moche were known for their elaborate ceramic sculptures, often depicting scenes from their daily lives and mythology.