In ancient Peru, the warrior class occupied a prominent place in society. Frequently, warriors affiliated themselves in groups or clans identified with powerful animals, whose traits of speed, bravery or fierceness they wished to emulate. In Mochica art, such warriors are often shown wearing animal costumes that identify their human nature, but on occasion, the line between metaphor and reality is more blurred. On this stunning vessel, a kneeling warrior with the head of a deer presents arms. The deer symbolized swiftness and elusiveness, desirable qualities in war. Perhaps this vessel was created for a member of the deer society, or to represent the devotion of the deer warriors through eternity. This striking effigy evokes a world where magic and wonder were a part of daily life.