Handle Spout Vessel in the Form of an Anthropomorphic Owl with Feline Fangs, Holding a Serpent c. 100 - 500

This ceramic vessel, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, was made by the Moche people of ancient Peru. Its creation and use were deeply embedded in the cultural and religious practices of the Moche civilization. The vessel depicts an anthropomorphic owl, a significant figure in Moche iconography, often associated with power and the supernatural realm. But look closer, this is no ordinary owl. With feline fangs and the serpent it clutches, this figure is a mashup, a hybrid of powerful symbols. In Moche society, such images would have served as potent symbols in rituals, communicating complex ideas about power, fertility, and the relationship between humans and the divine. Vessels like this weren't just decorative; they were active participants in the negotiation of social and spiritual orders. Consider the knowledge and skill required to form this vessel. It offers a tangible connection to the beliefs and practices of a society far removed from our own, inviting reflection on the diverse ways humans seek to understand and interact with the world around them.