Handle Spout Vessel Depicting Rows of Beans and Dots c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel was made by the Moche people of ancient Peru, though its exact date remains unknown. The vessel’s form and decoration provide insight into Moche society and its relationship to the natural world. The painted beans and dots likely held symbolic significance, reflecting the importance of agriculture and fertility in Moche culture. Beans were a staple food, and their representation on the vessel may have been a way to ensure a bountiful harvest. The dots could represent seeds, further emphasizing the theme of fertility. The stirrup spout is a distinct feature of Moche pottery, and this particular vessel is a testament to their advanced ceramic technology. Its intended use may have been for ceremonial purposes, feasting, or to be included as a funerary object. As historians, we look to archaeological reports and ethnographic studies to further understand the vessel. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional contexts.