Jar in the Form of a Human Head with Face Painting and Showing Teeth c. 100 - 500

This is a Moche ceramic jar, shaped as a human head, featuring face paint and bared teeth. The open mouth, displaying teeth, is a compelling, almost visceral motif. Across cultures, the exposure of teeth can signify aggression, power, or even vulnerability. Think of the snarling depictions of ancient deities, or even the grimacing masks used in rituals to ward off evil. This motif resurfaces and evolves through history. Consider the Gorgon Medusa, whose terrifying visage, with its bared teeth, was meant to petrify enemies. Or the fierce expressions on the faces of terracotta warriors meant to guard the tomb of the first Emperor of China. What primal fears or assertions of dominance are we tapping into when we see this recurring gesture? The raw, emotional power of such imagery engages viewers on a subconscious level. This isn't merely a jar, but a vessel carrying deep-seated cultural memories.