Stirrup Spout Vessel in the Form of a Anthropomorphic Owl c. 100 - 500

This ceramic stirrup spout vessel in the form of an anthropomorphic owl was created by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche flourished in the northern coastal region of Peru from about 200 to 850 AD, a society organized around powerful rulers and complex religious beliefs. The Moche were remarkable artisans who excelled in ceramics. This vessel merges human and animal forms, reflecting the Moche worldview, where the boundary between humans and animals was fluid. The owl, often associated with wisdom and mystery, adopts a human-like posture, its arms crossed, suggesting contemplation or perhaps mourning. Such vessels were not merely decorative, they played a vital role in Moche rituals, serving as containers for liquids offered to deities or ancestors. The act of pouring liquids from the vessel would have been a sacred performance, connecting the earthly and spiritual realms. The vessel is a reminder of the Moche's intricate belief system, their respect for the natural world, and their sophisticated artistic skills.