Description
The Moche were unique in ancient Peru in creating realistic human portraits, usually in the form of ceramic vessels. In general, such vessels represent more than 750 individuals; identities are unclear but most are elite men, some probably rulers. The stirrup-shaped spout is a hallmark of Moche ceramic production.
Provenance
(May Company, Cleveland, OH, 1967, sold to James C. and Florence C. Gruener) (?-1967); James C. [1903-1990] and Florence C. [1908-1982] Gruener, Cleveland, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art (1967-1990); The Cleveland Museum of Art (1990)
Accession Number
1990.227
Medium
earthenware with colored slips
Dimensions
Overall: 32 x 18.6 x 19.3 cm (12 5/8 x 7 5/16 x 7 5/8 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener
