Intersections

The Moche: Painting History

The Moche peoples of ancient Peru (100–800 c.e.) portrayed complex scenes on fineline painted vessels, depicting everything from hunting and fishing to the ritual battles of supernaturals. These were rendered with such a high degree of realism that researchers have been able to establish correlations between the painted scenes and the actual environment in which Moche artists lived. Even when stylized, clothing, ornaments, and implements represented in the paintings are remarkably accurate depictions of equivalent objects that have been recovered from archaeological excavations. Since the Moche did not leave a writing system, these ceramic works are critical to reconstructing Moche civilization.