Stirrup Spout Vessel with Raised Deer Hunt Motifs c. 100 - 500

This ceramic stirrup spout vessel with raised deer hunt motifs was made by the Moche people of ancient Peru. Imagery of the hunt was a deeply meaningful and culturally significant practice in Moche society. Depicting these scenes on vessels elevates the hunt to something worthy of display and honor. This tells us that the practice wasn't just about survival, it was also about social status. The Moche were known for their hierarchical social structure, and successful hunting may have been a way to gain prestige and power. Furthermore, this vessel form itself has an important social function. Vessels were often used in ritual contexts, and it is believed that the imagery on them reflected the values and beliefs of the society. The Moche civilization thrived on the northern coast of Peru from about 200 to 850 AD. To get a richer understanding of the historical and social context of the work, we can look to archaeological reports, anthropological studies, and even colonial-era chronicles.