Bowl with Sculpted Female Figure with Splayed Legs in Interior c. 100 - 500

This ceramic bowl from the Moche culture of ancient Peru, dating back to c. 100-500, showcases a stylized female figure sculpted into the vessel’s interior. The figure, with splayed legs and a prominent headdress, sits in a reclined pose. Her exaggerated features and intricate details, such as the beaded necklace and the patterned garment, reflect the Moche’s mastery of ceramic art. This vessel, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into the cultural practices and artistic sensibilities of the Moche civilization.