Stirrup Spout Vessel of Seated Male

Date

200-500

Creator

Modeled in the shape of a seated male, this stirrup spout vessel exemplifies the Moche’s (100–800 CE) full-figure vessels with portrait faces. The Moche produced many three-dimensional lifelike representations of people’s heads or, like here, their entire bodies. The majority of Moche portrait vessels depict adult males, but there are also depictions of women and children. Although the exact use of these vessels is unknown, it is possible they were used to contain or consume chicha, a fermented corn beverage.