Bottle, Skeletal Couple with Child
Moche ceramic vessels were made in specialized workshops where every step of ceramic production was undertaken in situ, from the preparation of clays to the firing process. Vessels were made with two-piece molds, facilitating the production of multiples. After the molding process, potters carefully added handles, spouts, and small details, in this case the incised ribs and modeled arms. Skeletal individuals are often depicted in Moche ceramics, probably symbolizing the interplay and complementarity between life and death. It has been suggested that in Moche religion, a transitory stage between life and death is expressed by the existence of transitional beings such as simian individuals and the animated deceased. In painted or sculpted vessels, animated skeletons dance, embrace, play music with flutes and rattles, carry funerary offerings, or engage in sexual activities. This embracing skeletal couple with child perhaps illustrates death as a necessary stage for the renewal of life.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bottle, Skeletal Couple with Child
- Date: 3rd–7th century
- Geography: Peru
- Culture: Moche
- Medium: Ceramic, slip, pigment
- Dimensions: H. 6 7/8 x W. 5 5/8 x D. 6 3/8 in. (17.5 x 14.3 x 16.2 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Containers
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1967
- Object Number: 1978.412.196
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Moche
5th–6th century
Wari artist(s)
600–900 CE
Moche artist(s)
200 CE–500 CE
Inca artist(s)
1400–1535 CE
Cupisnique artist(s)
1000–800 BCE
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.