Photo © Finnin/AMNH

This molded, painted bottle depicts a seated Moche warrior with partially painted face, ear spools and ear and nose ornaments. Elegantly crafted earspools and nose ornaments, along with spectacular clothing, face painting and masks, served as marks of status and rank among the Moche people of Peru. This jewelry was worn primarily by men who belonged to the ruling elite in Moche society, which began about A.D. 200 and continued for four centuries. Lifelike figures, such as the one in this image, demonstrate how these ornaments were worn, and also serve as portraits of the ruling class.