Stirrup Vessel with one Side Painted with Textile-Like Stepped Motif c. 100 - 500

This earthenware stirrup vessel was made by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche were remarkable potters, mastering the medium to create not only functional containers but also complex figural sculptures. This example is relatively simple in form, but it highlights their sophisticated methods. The vessel was hand-built, then burnished to a smooth surface. It was fired in a kiln – a testament to advanced ceramic technology. The painted decoration is of particular interest. Moche artists often depicted elaborate textiles on their pottery, recording the woven designs of their time. The textile-like motif is very telling, as it alludes to the value of cloth. The Moche prized textiles, so replicating them in clay was a way to further increase their cultural presence. So, we can appreciate this vessel as more than just a container. It's a celebration of skill, labor, and the importance of material culture in Moche society.