Stirrup spout vessel

Thousands of stirrup spout vessels have been discovered, with at least 500[9] pieces displaying sexual or erotic scenes. Although these ceramics display a large range of sexual and erotic imagery and iconography, reproductive sex (penile penetration of the vagina) is rarely depicted.[10] The most common vessel designs focus on positions of anal sex and fellatio. However, other subjects matters include gods, deities, hunting, fishing, sacrifice, combat, burial themes,[11] social activities, warfare, dancing skeletons, and animal copulation, including scenes of mice and monkeys.[12] Specific sex-themed vessel styles do appear more frequently. This is evidence of the use of ceramic workshops being active for some time to allow for the mass production of these vessels,[9] possibly using molds.[13] These pots provide archaeologist with insight into the Moche's, and other pre-Columbian cultures, beliefs towards reproduction and sexual practices. These artifacts show practices such as androgyny (both male and female genitals), hermaphroditism, and sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis.[14] Many of these vessels are on full display at the Larco Museum in Lima Peru. Here there is an entire gallery dedicated to erotic artwork and pottery from the Moche people.[15]

A large portion of these pieces were supplied to the elite members of society.[16] Through the discovery of erotic ceramic ware in elite tombs, archaeologists have concluded that the Moche buried their high-ranking individuals with these sexual pots, as well as in some sacrificial rituals.[17] Ritual paraphernalia and elaborate garments and ornaments were also discovered.[18]

The Moche's territory was exposed to drastic climate variations, super dry summers, and rainy winters. However, occasional El Niño events disrupted this flow, either through exceptionally long droughts, or periods of devastating floods.[19] The manipulation of water became very important to the Moche not only to survive, but to flourish. The Moche's agricultural yields were a major source of wealth, both through production and trade.[20] This came because of an immense irrigation canal system that brought water from lush valleys to the surrounding towns and villages. The canals supported urban centers, used to grow corn (maize), beans, and other crops,[21] and helped in periods of severe drought. Access to a reliable water source was also important in order for the Moche to grow and develop as a society, especially if they wanted to adapt into a sedentary society.[22]

This manipulation of water has also been demonstrated in the Moche's ceramic work. Apart from the more commonly known scenes of sexual ceramics, the spout design of these pieces have also been curiously interpreted. Water is essential for survival, and to survive in dry conditions, the Moche manipulated water from rivers and valleys to desired sites. This manipulation shows up in the design of the spouts of their ceramic work. As a piece is turned to pour water out, or filled, the Moche used a stirrup spout design, a circular design, to allow for water to flow out both and either side.

While there has been no identifiable language associated with the Moche, their artforms such as pottery and ceramics provide scholars with a look into the practices and customs of the Moche culture. From these ceramic forms, such as Fineline painting on stirrup spout vessels, archeologists can begin to understand aspects of Moche daily life, mythology, and narrative myth. One of the most essential steps in understanding the iconography of these vessels is the creation of “rollouts” of the iconography painted on the vessel. Christopher B. Donnan and Donna McClelland have both worked throughout their careers to photograph and record Moche iconography of these vessels in their rolled-out forms. In this form, the narrative aspect and storytelling ability of the stirrup spout vessels can be clearly identified.[23]

Several key themes have thus been recognized across the iconography found from Moche sites. The iconography on these stirrup spout vessels shows a wide range of activities from the Moche. It shows eating practices and foodways of the Moche, Weaving, warfare, hunting, and even dress and ornaments. There are several larger themes found throughout several vessels.[24] An excellent example of this can be found in a Moche stirrup spout vessel which is known as the Presentation Theme (seen in the figure to the side). Here the iconography shows several figures participating in what is meant to be ritual sacrifice, and the drinking of blood. In the bottom scene, several bound prisoners are being decapitated by their captors, while several ornate figures in the scene above pass around a goblet.[25]

There has been debate whether or not the ornate figures represent gods and deities, or whether they were high-ranking Moche officials in costume. This comes from the excavation of the Moche site at Sipán. Here the remains of a Moche leader were found, buried in the costume of the Rayed Deity found within the Presentation Theme. This discovery changed the way that many archeologists approached the narrative themes within the Moche iconography. After this discovery, two realms of thought came into play. The first being the continuation that this was in fact showing a deity to the Moche and that the remains of the “Lord of Sipán” were merely clothed in the same costume to resemble the deity. The other being that the scene did not show the deities or pantheon of the Moche, and instead was a literal interpretation of events. It was a record of history.[26]

This theme, much like others, shows a natural progression and narrative format. Again, while there is no written documentation from the Moche the iconography on stirrup spout vessels, and other pottery, provides scholars with a story of Moche beliefs and practices. From the identification of the iconography on this vessel, scholars are able to understand Moche activities such as warfare, human sacrifice, and ceremonial practices. The figures or deities shown in the Presentation Theme can be found in several other themes and scenes from Moche stirrup spout vessel iconography. Several of the key figures within the Presentation Theme have also been identified within the Scene of Sacrifice. These are not the only identified themes though present throughout Moche Fineline paintings in stirrup spout vessels. There is also the Burial Theme, The Revolt of the Objects, the Tule Boat Theme, and the Runner Theme.[27]