Not one unified political entity, the Moche were independent groups who shared common ideas—and artistic forms.
Dr. Sarahh Scher
Thousands of ceramic bottles were produced by Moche ceramicists, and many multiples were made using molds.
Moche Portrait Head Bottle
Made of gold and inlaid stone, these earflares were probably worn for ceremonies rather than daily.
Pair of Earflares, Winged Messengers
We don’t know what the makers of this figure called her, but we can tell that she is at once human and animal.
Doe Shaman Effigy
Andean cultures had long valued textiles, but they were especially significant and finely-made in the Inka Empire.
All-T’oqapu Tunic
The Inka emperor hosted feasts, performed religious ceremonies, and ruled his empire from this remote citadel.
Machu Picchu
It has been argued that Cusco was laid out in the shape of a puma, symbolizing Inka might.
City of Cusco
The location of Chavín between the desert coast and Amazon made it a key site for transmission of artistic style.
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