The artisans from El Castillo de Huarmey produced ceramics in a variety of shapes, including cups, open bowls, large jars, and bottles with very narrow and tall spouts. The skilled potters were masters at creating sculptural and polychrome ceramic vessels, too, showcasing their expertise in color and design. Most of these vessels were intended to hold different liquids, including a ritual native alcoholic beverage made from fermented maize, called chicha. These ceramics depict various themes, such as portraits of rulers, leaders, warriors, and animals and plants from the natural world.
The figure on this sculptural vessel appears to be a priest, identified by his long tunic adorned with circles, triangles, and stepped designs. Other distinguishing features of this figure include a decorated headdress, large ear ornaments, face paint with black dots, and a long beard. The figure appears to be resting with hands on knees. A feline atop the headdress suggests a strong relationship with this animal. The designs of small dots around the officiant´s mouth and long whiskers reinforce an association with a strong predator, possibly an Andean cat, a relatively small wild member of the feline family known for distinctive black and white bands covering its arms, legs, and tail. Thus, this figure exemplifies animal symbolism in Andean expressions of power and authority. Artistic representations like this bottle challenge the widespread belief that ancient Peruvians lacked facial hair. Some local ethnic groups did have facial hair; however, beards were reserved for certain individuals or specific groups within the population.
Roberto Pimentel Nita