Handle Spout Vessel with Composite Relief Depicting a Human Head, Owl, and Serpent c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel was created by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche flourished between 200 and 850 AD, leaving no written records. Instead, they provide a glimpse into their lives through pottery, such as this vessel, used in daily life and rituals. Here, the composite relief combines a human face with animals, specifically an owl and a serpent. These creatures were deeply symbolic in Moche culture. The human head is striking with its open mouth and distinct markings, possibly representing a warrior or a figure undergoing transformation. The owl, often associated with wisdom and the night, and the serpent, a symbol of power and the underworld, add layers of meaning. We might consider this artwork as an attempt to synthesize the human, animal, and the divine. The vessel provides a tangible link to the Moche worldview, expressing their complex relationship with the natural and supernatural realms.