The Moche were the only ancient Americans to produce true portraiture. Ceramic sculptural portraits, created for a limited time (ca. A.D. 300-500) in the southern sphere of Moche territory, show male leaders at various life stages. Some exhibit facial paint, scars, or battle wounds. When a young man showed promise in Moche society, a ceramic mold bearing his likeness was created. That mold would be used throughout his life to create his portrait. The BMA holds two portrait bottles in its collection. This example shows a middle aged individual who wears a simple head cloth, trapezoidal dangle earrings, and black face paint. His nose would have held a gold or copper ornament.