Stirrup Spout Vessel with Relief Depicting a Fishing Scene c. 100 - 500

This Stirrup Spout Vessel, created by the Moche civilization of ancient Peru, dates back to between 100 and 500 CE. The ceramic vessel, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, is adorned with intricate relief carvings depicting a fishing scene. This type of vessel is characterized by its unique stirrup-shaped spout and its often-detailed depictions of daily life, mythology, and rituals of the Moche people. The vessel's rounded body and the dynamic composition of the fishing scene exemplify the Moche's artistic skill and their keen observation of the natural world. The brown, black, and white pigments used in the vessel's decoration create a striking visual contrast. This piece, like many other Moche ceramics, is a testament to the rich culture and artistic traditions of this ancient civilization.