Handle Spout Vessel in Form of a Feline c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel, crafted by the Moche people of ancient Peru between 100 and 500 CE, is a striking example of their mastery of pottery. The vessel, shaped like a feline, features a distinctive red-and-white color scheme, with the animal’s body outlined in bold red stripes. The stylized feline form, a recurring motif in Moche art, likely held symbolic significance for the culture, perhaps representing a deity or a revered animal. This piece, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to the artistic and cultural legacy of the Moche people.