04/17/2026
Moche Stirrup Spout Redware Effigy Vessel of a Zoomorphic Amphibian
This beautiful redware vessel features a zoomorphic animal combining the features of a frog and a lizard, with human hands. The vessel combines animal and human characteristics, likely to signify shamanic transformation. The tail is painted with buff slip which is also used highlight the eyes, gills, and underside of the mouth. The animal is depicted with human hands on both its forelegs and hindlegs, representing the ancient Andeans’ animist belief that humans can embody animal characteristics. He is holding a spherical object - perhaps indicating that he is guarding an amphibian egg. He sits atop a rectangular base. Ex. collection Levi Stone, CT, prior to the 1970s.
Peru, Moche I, North Coast, c. AD 100 - 300
Height: 8" x Length: 10"
