Double-Chambered Stirrup Spout Vessel in Form of a Parrot c. 100 - 500

This is a ceramic double-chambered stirrup spout vessel in the form of a parrot, created by an artist of the Moche culture in ancient Peru. Such vessels were a vital part of Moche society, reflecting their complex relationship with the natural world and their sophisticated social structure. The parrot, native to the Amazon rainforest, was a prized exotic animal. Its presence in Moche art suggests established trade routes and cultural exchange. The stirrup spout, unique to Andean pottery, aerated liquids, likely for ritual use. The vessel's form and decoration, including the parrot's distinct markings, provide insights into Moche beliefs, cosmology, and social hierarchy. Archaeological research, iconographic analysis, and ethnohistorical studies can provide valuable information about the social and symbolic context. The parrot vessel is not merely a beautiful object, but also a powerful symbol of Moche culture, power, and worldview.