Vessel c. 200 - 600

This vessel, created by the Moche people of ancient Peru between 200 and 600 CE, is a striking example of their ceramic artistry. The vessel is shaped like an owl, with a rounded body, a small head, and a long, curved spout that serves as a handle. The owl's face is rendered in a simplified, stylized manner, with large, round eyes and a small beak. The vessel's surface is covered in a rich brown slip, with the owl's face highlighted in a lighter, cream-colored slip. This vessel is a testament to the Moche’s skill in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing objects. The owl, a creature associated with wisdom and knowledge, may have been considered a sacred or powerful being by the Moche. This vessel is a powerful example of the Moche’s unique artistic style and their complex understanding of the natural world.