Vessel in the Form of an Arm c. 100 - 500

This terracotta vessel in the form of an arm was created by the Moche people of ancient Peru. This work raises questions about the social conditions in which it was produced. The Moche civilization flourished between the 1st and 8th centuries AD, and their art often depicted scenes of daily life, mythology, and ritual practices. Given that Moche society was highly stratified, the depiction of an arm—a symbol of strength and labor—may reflect social hierarchies and power dynamics. The act of grasping is also culturally significant. The vessel can be interpreted as a representation of control, possession, or even sacrifice. Historians would investigate archaeological reports, studies of Moche iconography, and ethnographic research to understand the social context of the artwork. The meaning of this arm is contingent on its cultural and institutional context.