Moche Pottery Double-Chambered Stirrup Spout Bottle in the Form of a Parrot

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

An exceptional and beautifully balanced Moche polychrome double-chambered whistling stirrup spout bottle, created during the height of Moche ceramic innovation. One of the two chambers is masterfully modelled in the form of a parrot, shown with its head tilted upward, finely rendered circular eyes, and a realistically curved beak partially opened to allow the escape of a whistling sound. The head of the vessel is additionally pierced, enabling the production of notes at varying pitches when the liquid is poured.

The surface is decorated in the classic Moche palette of orange, red, and cream tones. The red areas are executed in iron-rich clay slip, a finely prepared pigment that, when fired, produces a vibrant and enduring colour. The harmonious proportions and technical sophistication of the vessel reflect the Moche’s unparalleled command of ceramic form and function.

This bottle is a rare and compelling survival, notable not only for its unusual sculptural form and fine artistry, but also for its powerful symbolic iconography. Parrots were, and remain, highly revered in ancient South American belief systems. Their brilliant plumage and ability to soar above the forest canopy made them ideal manifestations of sky and celestial deities. Parrots in particular were believed to possess supernatural qualities, likely of divine or cosmic origin, and their feathers—traded from the Amazon—were reserved for royal and elite regalia.

The Moche civilization, which flourished along Peru’s northern coast between approximately 200 and 700 AD, is renowned for its extraordinary ceramic tradition, advanced metallurgy, and monumental architecture. Among their most iconic creations are stirrup spout bottles, which seamlessly combined practical function with ritual, symbolic, and ceremonial significance. Frequently depicting animals, deities, and complex narrative scenes, these vessels stand among the most accomplished sculptural ceramics of the ancient Americas.

Excellent condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with faded colours, and light encrustations within recessed areas. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Size approx. 20,5cm x 11,2cm x 22,0cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection. Acquired abroad and brought to Sweden in the 1960s.

For a similar examples see:

Parrot Whistling Vessel, Art Institute Chicago, Accession Number:1958.723                       (https://www.artic.edu/artworks/9301/parrot-whistling-vessel)

Vase; whistle, The British Museum, Accession Number: Am1909,1218.69                           (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am1909-1218-69)