Llama Vessel

c. 200–550 CE
Overall: 17.8 x 13.2 x 23.1 cm (7 x 5 3/16 x 9 1/8 in.)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: 232 Andean

Download, Print and Share

Description

It is not clear whether the llama's appearance in Moche art is explained by its importance as a sacrificial animal; as a source of meat, fertilizer, and wool; or as the Andes' only burden-bearing beast, as this vessel shows. It also may be important that llamas are natives of the mountains, where seasonal rains charge the fresh-water rivers that flow down to the desert coast and make life possible.
Llama Vessel

Llama Vessel

c. 200–550 CE

Peru, North Coast, Moche style

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.