Handle Spout Vessel Depicting a Couple in an Erotic Embrace c. 100 - 500

This terracotta handle spout vessel depicting a couple in an erotic embrace was made by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The intimate embrace of the couple is rendered with remarkable openness, and the choice of representing this scene on a utilitarian object implies a certain freedom in their attitude to erotic imagery. Produced on the north coast of Peru, this vessel provides insight into the social and cultural norms of the Moche civilization, which flourished between the 1st and 8th centuries. The Moche were known for their sophisticated pottery, and vessels like this one provide historians and archeologists with a window into their beliefs, rituals, and daily life. To interpret this, we might consider the role of eroticism in Moche society, or the symbolic meanings attached to specific materials and colors. Research into religious practices, gender roles, and social hierarchies can shed light on the significance of this image. The meaning of art is contingent on the social and institutional context.