Stirrup-spout bottle with manioc form

Art Historical Context

This exquisite stirrup-spout bottle, crafted by Moche artist(s between 600–800 CE, takes the form of manioc (cassava), a vital root crop in ancient Andean agriculture. Standing at 12½ inches tall, wide, and deep, this ceramic vessel features a distinctive double-chambered stirrup spout—a hallmark of Moche pottery design that allowed liquids to be poured without spilling, ideal for rituals, offerings, or daily use. The slip-painted surface, a technique involving colored clay slips applied before firing, highlights the plant's textured roots and bulbous form, showcasing the Moche's keen observat...