Moche Pottery Bottle with Deity and Monkeys

Pre-Columbian Era, Moche Culture, Moche phase II to IV, c. 200–600 AD, Northern Peru

This exceptional Moche pottery bottle, dating from the Moche phase II to IV (c. 200–600 AD), is a beautiful and intricate example of Moche craftsmanship, showcasing their skill in both relief design and painted decoration. The bottle is elegantly designed with a globular body and cylindrical neck, resting on a circular foot, creating a balanced and harmonious form. The two perforated nubbin handles on either side of the rounded shoulders add both functional and aesthetic elements to the piece, while the painted scroll design creates a visual separation between the two sides of the vessel.

The relief decoration on the bottle is truly remarkable, depicting a scene rich in symbolism and cultural significance. On one side, a standing warrior figure is shown wearing a jaguar helmet, which symbolizes strength, power, and the connection to the spirit world. The imagery of spider monkeys, carrying tubers or ulluchus (a type of root vegetable), adds a layer of everyday life, suggesting a connection to both nature and sustenance. Monkeys were not native to the coastal regions of Peru, so their presence in the artwork implies they were imported from Ecuador, possibly as exotic pets or trained to assist in harvesting fruit from trees. Alongside the monkeys, a bird, a feline creature, and a set of corncobs are illustrated, offering a rich narrative of Moche society, which often incorporated animals, plants, and deities into their art as symbols of fertility, power, and sustenance.

The lower body of the bottle features repeating crescent-shaped decorations in a soft cream hue, adding a sense of continuity and rhythm to the design. This harmonious integration of imagery across the bottle reflects the Moche's deep connection to the natural and supernatural worlds, as well as their understanding of agriculture, animal life, and the role of humans in the ecosystem.

The Moche civilization is renowned for its sophisticated ceramics, and this bottle is a prime example of their ability to blend functional vessels with highly symbolic and beautifully executed artwork. The intricate design, which blends human figures, animals, and agricultural elements, speaks to the importance of ritual, the connection between the human and natural worlds, and the Moche's skilled artistry in ceramic production. This vessel is not just a container but a piece of visual storytelling, reflecting the rich culture and beliefs of the Moche people.

Excellent condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip to the rim, with fading to some finer features, and light encrustations within recessed areas. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Traces of red, black and cream color. Size approx. 15,5cm x 11,2cm x 11,2cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection.