Moche pottery depicting sacrifice
The image shows a beautifully painted ceramic pot belonging to the Moche culture, which flourished in northern Peru from 100 CE to 700 CE and was contemporary with the Nazca culture in the south. The pot is on display at Museo Larco in Lima, Peru.
The pot has a detailed painting which the experts believe depicts a scene in which a prisoner is being sacrificed. The museum has created a flattened view of this painting and imprinted on the base on which the pot is kept. As you can see from the flattened view (click the image to expand it), the warrior priest is presenting a cup to a deity (upper half) while the prisoner is being sacrificed (lower half).
The Moche are known for their artistic expression, especially in their pottery. Their pots are multi-colored and expressive and depict everyday life, rituals, deities, and animals.
Pots and artifacts related to the Moche
- Moche Owl God
- Deer hunt pottery
- Moche human erotic pottery
- Moche animal erotic pottery
- Moche gold head dress
- Moche gold ear pieces
- Moche sculptural nose ornaments
Related Pages
Ancient Cultures of Peru, Inca Civilization, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, and Peru
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