Spout Vessel Depicting Two Skeletal Figures in Erotic Scene Attached to Handle c. 100 - 500

This ceramic spout vessel depicting two skeletal figures in an erotic scene was created by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche civilization, flourishing from about 100 to 800 AD, was known for its sophisticated pottery. This vessel invites us to consider Moche perspectives on mortality and sexuality. The skeletal figures may represent ancestors or deities, embodying the cyclical nature of life and death. The erotic aspect of the scene challenges conventional, often Western, notions of what is considered appropriate or sacred. Such imagery might have been used in rituals relating to fertility, or the honoring of life forces. The vessel not only acted as a functional object but also as a symbolic representation of the Moche worldview, reminding us of the intricate ways in which ancient cultures integrated human experiences with spiritual beliefs.