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Cuzco vase, 'Deer Hunt'

In this detailed piece hand-painted by Dionisio Rojas, a Moche hunter travels the Peruvian terrain in search of his prey. The deer succumbs to its Moche predator - the feat proving the hunter's valiance and capability to provide his family with nourishment. Rojas is masterful in the depiction of pre-Hispanic representations, which tell of lifestyles and customs of days gone by. Rojas' canvas is his ceramic creation - this exquisite decorative vase with a flared mouth and wide base.

In the highly developed pre-Incan Moche culture (330 B.C – 500 A.D), the social structure was well defined. The highest social classes were priests and warriors, who had special privileges and lived close to the urban ceremonial centers and temples. A middle class of artisans, as well as farmers, fishermen, servants, slaves and beggars surrounded them. The priests and warriors were honored and obeyed, being frequently depicted wearing fine jewelry or clothing. Their authority was evident and there are many archaeological pieces showing scenes of punishment, including mutilation and death, of those who dared to disobey.