Moche Stirrup Vessel Depicting an Elderly Seated Male

Solemn and dignified, this elderly bearded gentleman seems to possess the wisdom of the ages. His costume, simple yet rich, suggests his elevated rank in society. He could be a philosopher or a king, the grand vizier or chief of the council of elders. His wide-open eyes seem to tell us that he has witnessed many of the glories and follies of human existence. Though he could tell us many secrets about the meaning of life, he maintains his silence as if preferring that we learn them for ourselves.