Stirrup Spout Bottle with Warrior Figure 1st-4th century Moche This ceramic vessel in the shape of a warrior on bended knee was fabricated by artisans of the Moche culture of Perus North Coast. The figure wears battle regalia, including a conical helmet fastened under the chin and featuring a metal crescent projecting upwards; a red-and-white tunic; belt; a necklace with elongated champagne cork-shaped beads; wrist ornaments; and a loin cloth. He carries a mace and a small shield with a design of concentric white and red circles. The darker pigment of his face indicates that he is wearing face paint. The image of a kneeling warrior is often shown in Moche art, but the significance of this position is unclear; are these individuals pledging allegiance to an individual of rank or are they pausing while preparing for battle? As there was no tradition of writing in South America prior to the arrival of Europeans in the sixteenth century, it is difficult to interpret this imagery with prec