Vessels

| Home | Vessels | Bowls | Manufacture Techniques |

Stirrup Vase

       This is a simple stirrup vase produced by the Moche culture. The body of this vessel was either formed by molding or coiling. The characteristic stirrup spout was formed through coiling.

       There is no decoration to this piece but its black finish was probably produced through a firing technique and the surface finish was  formed by burnishing. These techniques are known from many different cultures. 

       The Moche culture was located on the northern Peruvian Coast and existed from 100AD to about 800AD. The Moche were a militaristic culture as well as 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 simular 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 and sacrifice as well as warriors.

Front View 175 KB

Side View 294 KB