Vessel Depicting Frogs Mating c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel, created by the Moche people of ancient Peru between 100 and 500 CE, depicts two frogs in a mating embrace. The vessel, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a striking example of Moche pottery, known for its intricate detail and vibrant colors. The vessel's form is both functional and symbolic, serving as a container for liquids while simultaneously representing the importance of fertility and procreation in Moche culture. The use of red and brown paint on a light-colored background adds visual depth and emphasizes the frogs’ distinct features.