Warriors held an esteemed role in the Moche social hierarchy and are one of the most frequently depicted figures in art. This example, an early expression, would have been created before Moche coalesced into the most powerful coastal polity of its time. Finely modeled and burnished to a brilliant shine, the eyes of this piece would have been embellished with precious metals, stone, or shell inlay to enliven its stony quality and enhance its prestige.