Bottle

MOA: University of British Columbia

2990/312

Vertical stirrup spout bottle in mountain form with small pedestal. Terracotta with cream and red-brown slip. Painted in fineline with snail gathering scene. Lines divide three ecological levels, each with characteristic flora and fauna – snails and a fox. The elites wear typical snail-collecting regalia, including a turban and a tunic, hold a handled basket to carry the snails in and a stick to skewer the snails. Modeled snail on each of three peaks. Burnished surface. Breakage repaired.

  • Narrative

    Moche Phase IV.

  • Iconographic Meaning

    Snail Collecting


  • Type of Item bottle
  • Culture Moche
  • Material adhesive, clay, paint
  • Measurements height 23.7 cm, width 18.7 cm, depth 20.3 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Alan R. Sawyer, Erika H. Sawyer
  • Received from Erika H. Sawyer

  • Made in Peru

  • Creation Date between 101 BCE and 800
  • Collection Date between 1950 and 1975
  • Ownership Date before January 15, 2013
  • Acquisition Date on January 15, 2013

  • Item Classes ceramics
  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 2990/0312