Material Culture and Technology

The Moche produced technologically sophisticated ceramics and works in metal; nonetheless, ceramics continue to command most of the attention of specialists and nonspecialists alike.

Generally, Moche ceramics are two-colored: red on cream. These colors exhibit a range of hues, which became darker in the final phases of Moche culture. Moche potters used molds for the bodies of the pots as well as for attachments or seals which they applied to create decorations in relief. The sculptural ceramics are notable for their realism and size and some are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, bone or even small pieces of gold. The pictorial scenes, though only two-dimensional, are complex and were created with fine brush strokes that traced incisions made before painting. The most common shapes are bottles with globular bodies and stirrup spouts; vessels with flaring rims; flaring bowls, also called flower vases; figurines, whistles, etc. The majority of decorated Moche ceramics were intended for ritual funerary uses.