Stirrup Spout Vessel with Fineline Image of a Cat c. 100 - 500

This ceramic stirrup spout vessel with a fineline image of a cat was crafted by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche flourished between 200 and 850 AD, leaving behind no written records, but their exquisite pottery stands as a testament to their complex society. The stirrup spout form is distinctive, and the fineline painting technique allowed for intricate detail in the depiction of the feline. The cat, a powerful predator, likely held significant symbolic meaning within Moche society. Vessels like these weren't merely utilitarian objects, they also served as powerful media for communicating religious beliefs and social structures. Archaeological evidence suggests these vessels were often found in elite burials, hinting at their role in funerary rituals and ancestor veneration. By studying the imagery on Moche pottery alongside burial contexts and settlement patterns, we can gain invaluable insights into the worldview and social dynamics of this fascinating culture.