CONTORTED
FACE PORTRAIT VESSEL WITH STIRRUP SPOUT
c. 200 BC
Moche Culture, North Coast Peru
ceramic, slip painted in brown and beige
This engaging portrait vessel is a beautiful example of the realism and character insight displayed in Moche ceramic art. Probably a priest or nobleman who lived in the third to second century BC, this portrait vessel illustrates the Moche’s ability to bring their subjects to life. The Moche craftsmen did not create idealized portraits, but seemed to prefer realism, and were fascinated by the facial deformities, scars and contortions of many of their subjects. Because of their efficient agricultural and political systems, the Moche had more time to develop their art and the technology for making it. They were probably the first craftsmen in South America to produce pottery from molds. The use of molds made it easier to duplicate important images, such as this one, either for ceremonial purposes or for use in trade or tribute.
c. 200 BC
Moche Culture, North Coast Peru
ceramic, slip painted in brown and beige
This engaging portrait vessel is a beautiful example of the realism and character insight displayed in Moche ceramic art. Probably a priest or nobleman who lived in the third to second century BC, this portrait vessel illustrates the Moche’s ability to bring their subjects to life. The Moche craftsmen did not create idealized portraits, but seemed to prefer realism, and were fascinated by the facial deformities, scars and contortions of many of their subjects. Because of their efficient agricultural and political systems, the Moche had more time to develop their art and the technology for making it. They were probably the first craftsmen in South America to produce pottery from molds. The use of molds made it easier to duplicate important images, such as this one, either for ceremonial purposes or for use in trade or tribute.
