Stirrup Spout Vessel in Form of Llama with Figure on its Back c. 100 - 500

This ceramic stirrup spout vessel in the form of a llama with a figure on its back was created by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche were extraordinary ceramicists. Their pottery wasn't just functional; it was a way of telling stories and recording their world. The smooth, burnished surface of this vessel speaks to the skill involved in its creation. The artist would have carefully formed the clay, perhaps using molds for efficiency, then meticulously polished it to achieve that distinctive sheen. Consider the social context: llamas were vital to Moche society, used for transportation and as beasts of burden. This vessel elevates the animal, dignifying its role, even showing a human riding on its back. The black finish gives the vessel a formal quality, achieved through oxygen reduction during firing. The vessel is a testament to the Moche's sophisticated understanding of both their material world and their place within it. It challenges our notions of art as separate from everyday life, reminding us that even the most utilitarian object can be imbued with beauty and meaning.