Moche Bottle of Man Being Consumed...

Description

Moche Bottle of Man Being Consumed

Moche
C. 400-700 AD
Buff Terra Cotta with Paint
9" Tall x 6" Wide

The buff bottle having a stirrup handle on the backside, the front with an elaborate scene of the power the jaguar held to the Moche culture. An elaborately decorated king stands wearing a round head cover, large earplugs, rows of beads, and bands at the waist. Surrounding the soul is a two headed serpent like zoomorph with jaguar heads. The king grips tightly to a raised band that surrounds him. To the left and right, each jaguar head already contains a small human and is steadily devouring him. When looking at the spiked top and the curving footing surrounding the main figure, one realizes he is already standing on the jaguar's tongue and within its jaws while gripping the gum line. The backside of the bottle and to the side, the vessel reproduces a spondylous shell. Vessel has only minor chips, retains original cream painted highlights, and with ancient depositing.

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