Miniature Jar in Form of Human Head with Large Cheeks c. 100 - 500

This small ceramic jar, shaped like a human head, was made by the Moche people of ancient Peru, dating back to between 100-500 CE. The jar, known as a "stirrup spout vessel", is crafted in the distinctive Moche style, featuring exaggerated facial features, such as large cheeks, prominent ears, and a slightly downturned mouth. This piece, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the Moche's skill in ceramics and their penchant for incorporating human representations into their utilitarian objects. These vessels are a testament to the vibrant artistic traditions of the Moche civilization, reflecting both their aesthetic sensibilities and their beliefs about the world around them.