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Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Stirrup spout vessel: fanged deity with crab body
Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Stirrup spout vessel: fanged deity with crab body

Dateca. AD 500-750
Label TextFlourishing from about 50–800 on the north coast of Peru, the Moche civilization honored their deceased with vessels that depict people, animals, and sea life as realistic representations, mythic monsters, and narrative elements. The inclusion of fangs on this composite human-animal being suggests that it is a supernatural entity.
Object number77.18
Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Cosmic Beings in Mesoamerican and Andean Art, Nov. 10, 2018 - ongoing.
Credit LineMargaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund
Dimensions9 x 6 in. (22.9 x 15.2 cm)
MediumReduction ware