Moche Terracotta Figure

The Moche civilization once dominated the northern Peruvian coastline, thriving between the first and eighth centuries AD. The Moche society is characterized by its flourishing development politically, artistically, and ideologically. Specifically, craft specialization including pottery, metalwork and painting all thrived, supplying the elites and religious orders with works of unparalleled beauty. The Moche people were skilled ceramicists and created a variety of vessels in different shapes with great technique.

Pieces like this would have been used in a variety of contexts. Although many were found in funerary compounds, they were not exclusively made for this purpose. Most of the objects were intended to be used in everyday life either for household rituals or other communal activities such as feasts. Additionally, what is characteristic of Moche ceramic pottery is their emphasis on decoration. Almost all Moche ceramics are adorned with red paint upon a white or cream background.