The portrait vessels of the Moche, allow us an intimate glimpse of the Ancient Peruvian aristocracy. Originally modeled from life, these vessels were pressed in molds, sometimes over a period of decades. When a person of importance died, other dignitaries placed their portraits in his grave as a mark of honor. This stunning blackware example shows a man with distinctive jutting jaw and large ears, whose features seem to be thickening slightly with age. Who was he? A king? A priest? a famous warrior? Though we know little about him, we understand instinctively his high place in society, and treat him with all due honor.