Stirrup Vessel in the Form of a Feline Head Possibly 250 - 500

This ceramic stirrup vessel in the form of a feline head was created by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche flourished on the northern coast of Peru from about 200 to 850 CE. Their society was highly stratified, with powerful priest-kings who ruled over agricultural communities. The feline, likely a jaguar or puma, was a potent symbol of power and authority in Moche culture. The vessel's form, with its distinctive stirrup-shaped spout, is typical of Moche pottery. The feline's face is rendered with a combination of naturalistic and stylized features. Its large eyes and prominent teeth convey a sense of ferocity, while the geometric patterns on its face add a decorative element. The vessel likely served a ritual purpose. Understanding such an artwork fully requires insights from archaeology, anthropology, and art history. By studying the social and cultural context in which it was made, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its meaning and significance.