Miniature Handle Spout Vessel in Form of a Seated Man c. 100 - 500

This miniature vessel, depicting a seated man, was crafted from clay by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche civilization thrived along the northern coast of Peru, roughly between 200 and 850 CE, leaving behind no written records. As such, the Moche’s ceramic vessels are invaluable sources of cultural information. This vessel, with its somber figure, gives us insights into the Moche worldview. The figure’s closed eyes and crossed arms might suggest contemplation, perhaps even mourning. Its function as a handled spout vessel tells us that it was a tool to be used. It blurs the lines between art and utility, and between the worldly and the spiritual. Understanding this vessel requires us to look at the archeological record, considering the social and ritual practices of the Moche. It requires us to understand the worldview of a people whose beliefs and daily lives were intrinsically linked.