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