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Deer-Headed Figure Vessel
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Moche imagery includes an intriguing world of creatures that mingle traits from different realms: beans sprout human legs and race up a spout, jars leap with human feet to pour themselves, and animals wield weapons in two hands. This figure, with a stag’s head but a human’s body, is an example. He is engaged in a coca-leaf chewing ritual and thus holds a bag for the leaves along with a container of powdered lime that is one of the ritual’s key ingredients.
| Artist / Maker | Central Andes, North Coast, Moche people |
|---|---|
| Date | 200–850 CE |
| Culture / Origin | Central Andes, North Coast, Moche people |
| Medium | ceramic, slip |
| Dimensions | Overall: 26.5 x 14 x 25.5 cm (10 7/16 x 5 1/2 x 10 1/16 in.) |
| Department | Art of the Americas |
| Type | Vessels |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
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