Globular Jar in the Form of a Cat c. 100 - 500

Editor: Here we have a "Globular Jar in the Form of a Cat," a ceramic piece from the Moche culture, dating back to around 100-500. The way they’ve blended function and form is quite interesting. What stands out to you about the production of this piece? Curator: Well, it’s important to think about where the clay comes from. The Moche didn't have potter's wheels, so each vessel was shaped by hand or using molds. The surface finishing and painting— how might those aspects reveal about the level of social stratification and labor investment involved in its creation? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn’t considered the social implications. It makes you wonder who was making these vessels. Were they artisans or simply laborers? Curator: Precisely! Think about the firing process as well. Was it fired in an open pit or a more controlled kiln? The consistent color suggests skillful control of the firing conditions. This wasn't just a functional object, but something meant to last, and to signify. What was this cat, as raw material turned art, meant to signify in Moche society? Editor: The decorations and form give a symbolic dimension that’s clearly linked to Moche beliefs about the natural world. Maybe this particular vessel was linked to ritual practice? Curator: Yes, precisely! It's crucial to examine the relationship between the material properties of the ceramic and the symbolic representation of the cat to decipher the object's original function. Thinking materially allows a connection to broader cultural meaning of this interesting object. Editor: So it's the material itself – its creation and form – that gives us access to understanding its cultural significance? That's fascinating. Curator: Indeed! Examining the materials helps us unravel the intricate threads of Moche life, labor, and belief systems that have resulted in such remarkable object.