Vessel Depicting Frogs Mating c. 100 - 500

This earthenware vessel, depicting mating frogs, was made by the Moche people of ancient Peru. The Moche were exceptional ceramicists, and this vessel shows their mastery of clay. The smooth, pale surface is decorated with reddish-brown spots and lines, giving the frogs a lifelike texture. The frogs are depicted in a very particular manner, with their bodies intertwined, which speaks to the Moche's deep understanding of the natural world. This likely would have involved skilled work by hand, involving labor that required planning and precision in forming, decorating, and firing the object. The stirrup spout is a classic Moche design. Vessels like this were not just functional, but also held deep symbolic meaning within Moche society. The choice of material and the act of making transformed clay into an object that reflected both the everyday and the sacred. Understanding the Moche's sophisticated approach to ceramics helps us appreciate the layers of meaning embedded in this vessel.