↗Central Andes (Peru), Recuay people · 1–700 CE
Architectural Vessel
Creator not recorded
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener · The Cleveland Museum of Art
Image: public domain (CC0) · Museum record & image source ↗
Peru, North Coast, Moche style · c. 200–550 CE
Portrait Head Vessel
Creator not recorded by the museum
- Date
- c. 200–550 CE
- Medium
- earthenware with colored slips
- Dimensions
- Overall: 32 x 18.6 x 19.3 cm (12 5/8 x 7 5/16 x 7 5/8 in.)
- Country / context
- Peru
- Movement / tradition
- Central and South American arts
- Collection
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Pathway
- Central and South American arts ↗
FROM THE MUSEUM
The Moche were unique in ancient Peru in creating realistic human portraits, usually in the form of ceramic vessels. In general, such vessels represent more than 750 individuals; identities are unclear but most are elite men, some probably rulers. The stirrup-shaped spout is a hallmark of Moche ceramic production.
Collection text · The Cleveland Museum of Art · CC0A MOMENT TO LOOK
Start with what you can see: shapes, surface, colour and scale. How might the listed materials affect the way this object was made and experienced?
Looking prompt · an invitation to observe, not a historical interpretation.
