Moche Polychrome Portrait Vessel of Dwarf w/ Tattoos

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche III to Moche IV (Classic Period), ca. 450 to 650 CE. A strikingly lifelike mold-made portrait stirrup vessel, with the individual's visage and body finely modeled to form the vessel body rather than being painted on a simple form. The vessel is slip painted in a polychrome red, cream, and black palette - the black used to delineate the marvelous tattoos on his face and legs. The visage is comprised of wide open almond-shaped eyes with delineated eyelids and eyebeds, arched brow lines, a naturalistic nose, and pursed lips. His face presents a central vertical band of cream flanked by bands of russet red, and black geometric and curvilinear tattoos flank his black lips and embellish his chin and cheeks. Black pigment also lines the eyes, delineates the pupils/irises, and is used to accent his left eye with two diamond-shaped tattoo marks. His diminutive legs, which are adorned with tattoo markings as well, suggest that he probably represents a dwarf. Size: 6.25" L x 4.375" W x 10" H (15.9 cm x 11.1 cm x 25.4 cm)

This iconography is intriguing. Dwarves were believed to have magical powers in many Pre-Columbian cultures and were often associated with shamanism. This vessel portrayed a notable member of Moche society; it is possible - even probable - that there are portraits of him at different ages found in other vessels, as we know of several examples of Moche portrait vessels portraying the same individual at different stages of life!

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Dr. Fischer collection, Germany, 1950-1970

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#152630
Condition Report: Professionally repaired from multiple pieces with restoration over the breaklines. Polychrome finish and tattoo markings are vivid. Nice mineral deposits and burnishing marks.