Handle Spout Vessel in the Form of a Composite Scene Depicting Three Figures c. 100 - 500

This earthenware vessel, made by the Moche people, embodies cultural and social complexities through its figural representations. Produced in ancient Peru, this piece reflects a society where art served to document and explore the social hierarchy. The depiction of three figures on the vessel— likely a ruler and his retainers — offers insights into Moche society. These figures likely depict individuals of high status, distinguished by their attire and placement on the vessel, reflecting the Moche emphasis on social ranking and power. Their expressions give us an intimate sense of who they were and how they wished to be seen. Beyond its aesthetic value, the vessel likely had a ritual or ceremonial function, potentially used in feasts or offerings that reinforced social bonds and political alliances. In this context, the vessel serves not only as a container but also as a symbol of social cohesion and collective identity, deeply intertwined with the daily lives and beliefs of the Moche people.