Moche
Pottery Mold in the Shape of a Llama Head
100-500
Scroll
Moche
Pottery Mold in the Shape of a Llama Head
100-500
Physical Qualities
Earthenware, 3 × 2 1/4 × 1 3/4 in. (7.6 × 5.7 × 4.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of A. Lyndon Bell and Family
Object Number
2016.200
The Moche were among the first ancient Andeans to develop the press molding technique (Donnan 1992: 59). In ceramic production, molds were used in conjunction with hand modeling to create a wide range of forms. Ceramic molds (press and fired) were developed to ensure correctness and uniformity in ceramics, rather than to expedite production (Russell and Jackson 2001: 170). A large number of small, press molds aided in the manufacture of musical instruments such as ocarinas (whistles), and trumpets (see Russell and Jackson 2001: fig. 10). This example represents a rare, intact press mold that would have been used to create the impression of a llama, an important Andean camelid. A small nub handle on the reverse acts as a handle or grip. - Lisa DeLeonardis, June 2016
The Baltimore Museum of Art, by gift, 2016; Kelley Bell, by descent from Carl T. Bell, 2013-2016; 2016; Carl T. Bell, by descent from A. Lyndon Bell, 1981-2013; A. Lyndon Bell, by purchase, May 1958-1981
Donnan, Christopher B., “Moche,” in “Ceramics of Ancient Peru,” Los Angeles: University of California Fowler Museum of Cultural History, 1992, pp. 56-69. (P. 63 fig 106, bird drummer)
Russell, Glenn S., and Margaret A. Jackson, “Political Economy and Patronage at Cerro Mayal, Peru,” in “Moche Art and Archaeology in Ancient Peru,” edited by Joanne Pillsbury, Washington, DC: National Gallery of Art, 2001, pp. 158-175.
Russell, Glenn S., and Margaret A. Jackson, “Political Economy and Patronage at Cerro Mayal, Peru,” in “Moche Art and Archaeology in Ancient Peru,” edited by Joanne Pillsbury, Washington, DC: National Gallery of Art, 2001, pp. 158-175.