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.
Stirrup spout bottle
Moche style
North coast, Peru
100-800 C.E.
Ceramic
L: 14.0 cm, H: 23.0 cm, D: 13.5 cm (L: 5.5 in, H: 9.1 in, D: 5.3 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Lucas, Jr. X86.3807
Stirrup spout bottle
Moche style
North coast, Peru
100-800 C.E.
W: 14.5 cm, H: 20.2 cm, D: 14.0 cm (W: 5.7 in, H: 7.9 in, D: 5.5 in)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Lucas, Jr. X86.3854
Stirrup spout bottle
Moche style
North coast, Peru
100-800 C.E.
W: 16.0 cm, H: 30.2 cm, D: 16.0 cm (W: 6.3 in, H: 11.9 in, D: 6.3 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Lucas Jr. X86.3934
Object Name: Stirrup spout bottle
Artist: Unknown
Culture: Moche
Place of Origin: Peru, north coast
Date/Era: 100 – 800 C.E.
Medium/Materials: Ceramic
Dimensions: H: 26.6 cm, W: 15.0 cm, D: 14.6 cm (H: 10.5 in, W: 5.9 in, D: 5.7 in)
Credit Line: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Lucas, Jr.
Accession Number: X88.800