Handle Spout Vessel with Fineline Bird Motifs c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel, created by the Moche people of ancient Peru between 100 and 500 AD, is a prime example of their highly skilled craftsmanship. The handle-spout vessel, crafted from ceramic, features a finely detailed depiction of a bird with elaborate wings and a stylized body. The red and white slip-painted decoration showcases the Moche's distinctive artistic style, often depicting mythical creatures, scenes of daily life, and powerful rulers. These vessels, often found in tombs, were thought to hold sacred beverages for the afterlife. The vessel, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to the artistic achievements of the Moche civilization.