Stirrup Spout Vessel with Fineline Lizard Motifs c. 100 - 500

This is a ceramic stirrup spout vessel adorned with fineline lizard motifs made by the Moche people. The Moche flourished on the northern coast of Peru from about 200 to 850 AD, a society noted for its sophisticated irrigation systems and elaborate religious rituals. The Moche artist has created a vessel that transcends mere functionality; it is a profound cultural artifact. Lizards in Moche culture were often associated with divinity and virility. The painted lizard motif on the vessel underscores the importance of the natural world in Moche cosmology. The vessel's design, featuring a stirrup spout, was crucial for liquid storage and controlled pouring, suggesting a communal or ceremonial function. While the Moche did not leave written records, their art offers invaluable insights into their beliefs and social structures. The vessel becomes a conduit, connecting us to the everyday life and symbolic world of the Moche, inviting us to contemplate our relationship with the natural world.