User:Seattleair/Stirrup spout vessel

Erotic Moche Ceramics
Thousands of stirrup spout vessels have been discovered, with at least 500 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. 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, social activities, warfare, dancing skeletons, and animal copulation, including scenes of mice and monkeys. 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, possibly using molds. 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. 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.

A large portion of these pieces were supplied to the elite members of society. 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. Ritual paraphernalia and elaborate garments and ornaments were also discovered.

Water Theme in Moche Ceramics
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. 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. 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, 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.

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.