Moche
Portrait head bottle
Moche, 300-500
Physical Qualities
Earthenware, slip paint, 12 in. (30.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of The Jaegal Foundation, Baltimore, George and Julianne Alderman
Object Number
1989.57
This portrait head bottle represents one of the most iconic artforms produced by the Moche people. Ceramicists used molds to create multiple identical vessels in the form of a head, which were then customized with painted details in red and cream slip, a loose mix of clay and water, to create the likeness of specific individuals. The man seen here is middle-aged and wears a headband adorned with a geometric design and tubular ear ornaments. He was most likely a man of some prestige who was prominent in his community.
Darienne Turner, Baltimore Museum of Art, Ancient Americas Gallery Rotations, December 12, 2021.
On View: Ancient Americas
