Portrait Head Vessel

Browse the collection

Culture Moche

Title Portrait Head Vessel

Date 400–800

Medium Clay with pigment

Dimensions Object: 10 1/2 × 5 7/8 × 5 1/2 in. (26.7 × 14.9 × 14 cm)
Overall: 10 1/2 x 5 7/8 x 5 1/2 in. (26.7 x 14.9 x 14 cm)

Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 62.195

Share this artwork!

About this Work

The amazing artistic achievements of the Moche civilization came about, in part, because the people had enough leisure time for the development and encouragement of specialized craftsmen. This leisure was possible because Moche communities enjoyed abundant food and raw materials as well as relatively little warfare.

The ruling class was composed of warrior nobles who are often represented in Moche ceramics. Male members of this ruling class were depicted in realistic portrait vessels that emphasized individualized features.

Provenance
More Details

Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

Viewing Information
This artwork is currently off display. You may be able to see this artwork by filling out an art viewing room request.

Request this Image
The Eskenazi Museum of Art provides images of its collection, free of charge, upon request. This artwork is under copyright protection. You can request the image and it will be emailed to you when the request is complete.

Cite this Page
"Portrait Head Vessel | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=62.195