Moche Pottery Figural Llama Stirrup Spout Bottle

Pre-Columbian era, Moche culture, Moche phase II to IV, c. 200-600AD, Northern Peru.

This exceptional stirrup spout bottle, crafted during the height of the Moche civilization, features a reclining llama rendered in a strikingly naturalistic style. The serene expression on the llama’s face, complemented by its upright ears and detailed body, highlights the skilled craftsmanship of Moche artisans. The vessel's surface showcases a smooth patina in a grayish-brown hue, with traces of a yellowish cream pigment, further accentuating its lifelike quality.

Llamas were essential to life in the Andes, serving as pack animals capable of navigating rugged mountain terrain while providing wool for clothing and other necessities. Their significance to the Moche culture is reflected in their frequent depiction in ceramics, symbolizing both practical and spiritual reverence for this vital creature.

The Moche, flourishing along the northern coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD, are celebrated for their advancements in pottery, goldwork, and monumental architecture. Their stirrup spout bottles, like this one, are among the most distinctive artifacts of their culture. These vessels served both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes, often depicting animals, deities, and scenes of daily life with remarkable realism. This bottle stands out for its artistic elegance and historical importance. Its excellent preservation, intricate detailing, and cultural symbolism make it a valuable artifact, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and spiritual world of the Moche civilization. A must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of ancient Andean art.

Excellent condition. Age-related minimal wear. Intact. Dirt, dust and encrusted deposits. Ex-museum collection piece with inventory numbers painted on the bottom. Size approx. 17,0cm x 14,5cm x 7,0cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection

For a similar examples see:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Accession Number: 1983.546.20 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/314695)

Moche (Mochica) Culture (North Coastal Peru), sculptural stirrup spout bottle representing llama, Lima: Museo Nacional de Arqueología Antropología e Historia del Perú.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Accession Number: 67.167.14 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/309482)

Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut, Accession Number: 2013.58.1 (https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/181141)