Double Vessel in the Form of a Seated Monkey with Coca Bag Around Neck c. 100 - 500

This double vessel in the form of a seated monkey, complete with a coca bag around its neck, was made by the Moche people out of ceramic. The Moche were extraordinary ceramicists. They flourished on the northern coast of what is now Peru, from about 200 to 850 AD. The material here is earthenware, made by mixing clay, sand and water, then firing it in a kiln. This particular piece involves skillful modeling to create the monkey’s form, and the smooth transition to the functional spout. The use of molds may have been involved, indicating a degree of serial production. What’s most striking is how the material conveys cultural meaning. The monkey’s alert posture and carefully rendered features suggest respect for the animal. And the coca bag hints at the ritual use of coca leaves, an integral part of Moche society. By appreciating the ceramic processes at play, we understand how craft, design, and materiality intersect, challenging our assumptions about fine art and the everyday.