Material : terracotta
Origin : north coast of Peru
Culture : Moche III
Era : 400 AD/ 600 AD

Condition : good condition, minor cracks

Dimensions : 7-3/4" H

Very beautiful vase representing a prisoner. Stirrup spout vessel.
The man is naked and sat cross-legged. His arms are tied up, on his back, by a rope, passing by his neck.
His face is well modelled. One of his eyes is half closed. He has receveid a stroke during fight or after his capture. In spite of pain (eye and mouth), the prisoner stays a proud warrior.
In Mochica society, sacrificial captures were very commun. Prisoners were tortured (hits, bleedings...). Sacrifices were a important part of cultual practices, and took place in specific architecture. 

 

Bibliography
C. B. Donnan, « Moche Ceramic Portraits », p. 127 – 140, Moche Art and Archaeology in Ancient Peru, 2001, Yale University Press, New Haven, Londres.