Flaring bowl with Rattle Base and Incised Geometric Motif on Interior Rim c. 100 - 500

This flaring bowl was created by the Moche people, its date is unknown, using molded clay. The bowl's material is vital to its appearance, the terracotta clay is shaped and fired, giving it a distinctive reddish hue and earthy texture. Notice how the artist has incised a geometric pattern on the interior rim, a delicate detail contrasting with the solid form of the bowl. The rattle base is particularly interesting, suggesting a ritual or ceremonial purpose beyond simple utility. Pottery like this was typically made by hand, a labor-intensive process involving careful shaping, smoothing, and firing. The Moche were skilled in ceramic production, and this bowl reflects their deep understanding of the material and its possibilities. Appreciating the time and skill involved in creating this bowl helps us to understand the wider social and cultural context of the Moche civilization. By considering materials, making, and context, we can move beyond traditional art history and see the full meaning of this artwork.