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MOche Pedestal Bowl

       This piece belongs to the Tunachan culture which later became the Moche culture. This piece dates sometime between 500BC and 500AD.

       This pedestal bowl was formed through a  coiling technique. The sides of the walls are flare out increasing the diameter of the bowl. On the bottom of the bowl a pedestal has been added. This may have been added after the body had been formed. 

      The Moche culture was located on the northern Peruvian Coast and existed from 100AD to about 800AD. The Moche were a militaristic culture and a theocratic state. Their home territory is characterized as a desert coastal area. They are most well known for the massive irrigation systems which were built in the desert. It is believed that they disappeared due to environmental disaster similar to El Nino.  

       Ceramics were primarily produced through the use of molds. The overall ceramic style is varied and can range from the simple to complex. Most of their pottery is decorated with scenes of daily life, sacrifice as well as warriors.

       The decoration around the outside of this bowl has almost completely disappeared through time. There is some decoration left in the form of painted geometric designs.

       The painted design inside of the bowl can still be seen clearly. This consists of two red triangles with a white square within their middles. The bowl may have been burnished to produce a shine.

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