The zoomorphic shape would originally have formed the front section of an elaborate head ring. This type of head ornament—tubular in form, with some variety of animal head protruding at the front—can be seen on many of the portrait ceramics made by the Moche (cats 93–97). In fact, some stirrup pots in the shape of the head ring have been discovered. The rings were worn around the forehead over plain cotton head cloths, tied in what is known as the ‘Type B’ manner, where the entire head is covered and the hair is enclosed in a ponytail.¹ Often separate bands of decorative fabric were wound around the forehead under the head ring, over the plain cloth. Along with the animal’s head, its paws or feet were also depicted on the ornamental rings. Some Moche head rings with images of birds are embellished with feathers, either real or made from bark.²

This fox head is constructed from gilded copper. The triangular pieces of metal representing its ears are made of tabs looped and bent to attach each ear to the head. The intricately defined features of the open jaws include a ridged roof within the mouth, and a long protruding tongue. A mechanism inside the head allows the tongue to move. On either side of the fox’s snout are a series of bent wires forming whiskers—there were originally seven on each side, of which four on the left and six on the right survive. These were inserted into holes in the side of the head and then soldered into place. In each ear and under the chin hang a series of discs. Like the tongue, these moved and tinkled when the wearer of this head piece moved. Like many other Moche objects, inlay was used to create the eyes and teeth—most likely conch or mother-of-pearl.

Simeran Maxwell

1. For more detail on Moche head cloths, see Christopher B. Donnan, Moche portraits from ancient Peru, Austin: University of Texas Press 2004, pp. 43–58.

2. Donnan, p. 62.

The zoomorphic shape would originally have formed the front section of an elaborate head ring. This type of head ornament—tubular in form, with some variety of animal head protruding at the front—can be seen on many of the portrait ceramics made by the Moche (cats 93–97). In fact, some stirrup pots in the shape of the head ring have been discovered. The rings were worn around the forehead over plain cotton head cloths, tied in what is known as the ‘Type B’ manner, where the entire head is covered and the hair is enclosed in a ponytail.¹ Often separate bands of decorative fabric were wound around the forehead under the head ring, over the plain cloth. Along with the animal’s head, its paws or feet were also depicted on the ornamental rings. Some Moche head rings with images of birds are embellished with feathers, either real or made from bark.²

This fox head is constructed from gilded copper. The triangular pieces of metal representing its ears are made of tabs looped and bent to attach each ear to the head. The intricately defined features of the open jaws include a ridged roof within the mouth, and a long protruding tongue. A mechanism inside the head allows the tongue to move. On either side of the fox’s snout are a series of bent wires forming whiskers—there were originally seven on each side, of which four on the left and six on the right survive. These were inserted into holes in the side of the head and then soldered into place. In each ear and under the chin hang a series of discs. Like the tongue, these moved and tinkled when the wearer of this head piece moved. Like many other Moche objects, inlay was used to create the eyes and teeth—most likely conch or mother-of-pearl.

Simeran Maxwell

1. For more detail on Moche head cloths, see Christopher B. Donnan, Moche portraits from ancient Peru, Austin: University of Texas Press 2004, pp. 43–58.

2. Donnan, p. 62.