Moche Culture and Art

The Moche culture was established on the north coast of Peru (100-700 A.D) in the Lambayeque Valley. They built massive pyramids that still can be seen in the surrounding countryside, known as “Huacas”, meaning sacred place in the inca dialect.

Ceramics were the main art form in this culture. Also, metallurgy developed, it was known how to cast, solder and alloy metal. The Moche ceramists created both sculptural and plain paint-ornamented vessels. The most popular vessel form was the traditional stirrup spout vessel.

The decorative motifs of the Moche ceramics were very diverse, animals, plants, human life and mythology among others. The paint-decorated ceramics represented ceremonial rituals and the scuptural works have been part of the mythology of this culture too.

It seems that the most important religious ritual was a sacrificial ceremony, in which prisoners of war were sacrificed to gods. The main Moche god, Aiapaec, is represented by a human figure with a tiger’s mouth and snarling fangs.

The Warriors must´ve enjoy a special status, they formed small professional armies for control, political domination and territorial security, as evidenced by the complex military buildings strategically located in the valleys and extensive walls that demarcated the small kingdoms.

Moche Culture

Mochica or Moche culture emerged and developed in the centuries I and VII, taking place in the long and narrow strip of desert on the north coast of Peru where the remains of their pyramid temples, palaces, fortresses and irrigation systems are proof of their high artistic development and technological and complex organization.

The Moche innovated technology and metallurgical production with intensive use of copper in the manufacture of ornaments, weapons and tools.

Moche Culture and Art

Chavin Culture

The art of the Chavín culture (900-200 B.C) influenced all its neighbours and was felt long after its decline. The Chavín was not a warlike culture and spread its influence through peaceful interaction.

The Chavin influenced an area covering most of the northern Peru’s highlands and coast. It is believed they worshipped the jaguars, since this animal appears in many of their pottery. This period represents the greatest early development in weaving, design, pottery and agriculture.

Chavin Culture and Art

Chimu Culture

The Chimu Culture built a capital at Chan Chan, north of Trujillo. Chan Chan is the largest pre-Columbian city in Peru, covering about 20 sq km, and is estimated to have housed about 50,000 people.

Pottery from the Chimu Culture was mass-produced and manufactured from readily available clay found along the coast of Peru. Head cups, head vases, etc. are typical of the Chimu Culture. The winged eyes used in their artwork are said to be the eyes of dead souls, and it looks like they were meant to be funerary items. Designs on the cup rim, back, and sides resemble Mesoamerican writing.

Chimu Culture and Art

Peruvian Bracelets

The unique materials and beautiful designs used to create Peruvian bracelets make it ideal for both personal adornment and loving gifts for friends and family.

Peruvian Hats
The beautiful Peruvian hats offer shelter and comfort. They are made in Peru using Andean naturals colors. The smoothness of the inca hats impress you and the thermal protection is perfect for low temperatures.