Handle Spout Vessel in Form of a Seed or Bean c. 100 - 500

This is a ceramic handle spout vessel, shaped like a seed or bean, created by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche flourished on the northern coast of Peru from about 200 to 850 AD, a society where agriculture was deeply intertwined with daily life and spiritual beliefs. Vessels such as this were not merely utilitarian but served as vital cultural artifacts. This piece, with its rounded body and meticulously painted spots, echoes the life-giving bean, perhaps used in rituals to ensure bountiful harvests. The Moche had no known written language, so their art provides invaluable insights into their world view. These vessels often depict scenes of everyday life, mythology, and complex social structures. This particular vessel with its stylized representation, invites us to consider the vital role of agriculture. It embodies the Moche’s deep connection to the natural world.