Description
Book SynopsisThe first wide-ranging, systematic study of the Moche portraits, three-dimensional ceramic vessels formed in the likeness of people's heads.
Trade Review"This book is as close as we can ever come to seeing the Moche people--and to having a basis for understanding the society that produced such remarkable works of art." Craig Morris, Senior Vice President and Dean of Science, American Museum of Natural History "By presenting the Moche artists and the people who have been portrayed by them, Donnan brings us to a level of understanding and proximity, so to speak, that I would have never considered possible just a few years ago... Believe me, this book is going to be a bestseller." Steve Bourget, Assistant Professor of Art History, University of Texas at Austin "It is AD 500 on the desert coast of northern Peru. The master potters of the Moche civilisation are creating some of the most dazzling portrait vessels ever seen. These were real people, first appearing as warriors in their prime, then shown stripped and bound ready for sacrifice. Exactly what was happening remains a mystery. Meanwhile you can marvel at the stunning images in this excellent book."--New Scientist, 24 April 2004
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Evolution and Distribution of Portraits
- Chapter 3: How Portraits Were Made
- Chapter 4: Headdresses
- Chapter 5: Ornamentation
- Chapter 6: Multiple Portraits of Individuals
- Chapter 7: Warriors and Captives
- Chapter 8: Individuals Portrayed at Different Ages
- Chapter 9: Observations and Conclusions
- Notes
- References Cited
- Sources of Illustrations
- Index
