Pre-Columbian, north coast Peru, Moche, ca. 200 to 400 CE. An extremely large and well-executed bi-chrome portrait vessel depicting the solemn visage of a dignitary or warrior with wide open, almond-shaped eyes, a pronounced, naturalistic nose, well-defined, pursed lips, large ears with double danglers on each, and carefully modeled facial planes - even the philtrum (vertical groove running from nasal septum to upper lip) is somewhat defined. The Moche were perhaps the only ancient culture in the Americas to produce such vessels. The sculptor's intent was to present a very realistic depiction, and interestingly, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several of individuals portrayed in pottery. One particular face, easily identified because of his cut lip, appears in more than forty Moche pottery vessels. In their own way, these people were like rock stars of the day, portrayed by their own paparazzi. A wonderful example, remarkably lifelike with naturalistic features and a steadfast gaze. Size: 8.5" L x 9.5" W x 11.5" H (21.6 cm x 24.1 cm x 29.2 cm)

Provenance: ex-Dr. George Wald, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1960s; Dr. Wald was the recipient of the 1967 Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine for his work on the retina.

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#125300

Restored. Losses to left ear and some erosion marks from exposure over time. Nice remains of cream and red slip.