Vessel, Moche | Mia

Vase in the from of a chieftain with ear plugs and large headdress. Arms bound in back indicate the status of a prisoner. — Vessel, 6th-8th century
Moche
Clay, pigments
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund 44.3.73
Not on View
Moche leaders subjected their prisoners of war to public humiliation, torture, and often sacrifice. Typically in Moche art, captured enemies are shown in the nude. But the artist who created this vessel chose to emphasize the prisoner’s high status by depicting him in full regalia. In addition to his stoic expression, the figure’s headdress, nose ornament, ear spools and patterned tunic illuminate his status—and reinforce the significance of his defeat.

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Moche, Vessel (#612)

Details

Title: Vessel
Dated: 6th-8th century
Role: Artist
Gallery: Not on View
Department: Arts of the Americas
Dimension: 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm)
Credit: The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund
Accession Number: 44.3.73
Medium: Clay, pigments
Country: Peru
Culture: Moche
Century: 6th-8th century
Rights: Public Domain
Classification: Ceramics
Object Name: Vessel
Wikipedia: Cite this information
Metadata: Click here to see the machine readable JSON data that underpins this page.
Curator Approved: This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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