Minneapolis Institute of Art

Vessel

Date

6th-8th century

Medium

Clay, pigments

Culture

Moche

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Moche leaders subjected their prisoners of war to public humiliation, torture, and often sacrifice. Typically in Moche art, captured enemies are shown in the nude. But the artist who created this vessel chose to emphasize the prisoner’s high status by depicting him in full regalia. In addition to his stoic expression, the figure’s headdress, nose ornament, ear spools and patterned tunic illuminate his status—and reinforce the significance of his defeat. Peru, Americas

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