What were the Mochica best known for?
The Moche are well known for their art, especially their naturalistic and articulate ceramics, particularly in the form of stirrup-spout vessels. The ceramics incorporate a wide-ranging subject matter, both in shape and painted decorations, including representations of people, animals, and ritual scenes.
What did the Moche people develop in their culture?
A Complex Culture Moche architects and artists raised spectacular adobe platforms and pyramids, and created exquisite ceramics and jewelry. Their art, unlike that of most Andean cultures, is naturalistic and rich in imagery, inviting us to explore their world.
What religion did the Moche practice?
The Moche were polytheistic , or had many gods. The most powerful god in their religion was Si, the moon goddess . Since the moon was always visible, and controlled the seasons, Si was the most powerful god. In Moche religion, women could have an important role.
In what ways were the Mochica like the ancient Egyptians?
In what ways were the Mochica like the ancient Egyptians? Both civilizations used irrigation to water their crops and both built pyramids. How have we learned about the religious beliefs of the Mochica? From the pictures painted on their water jars.
Why was gold important to the Moche culture?
Moche artists used gold, silver, and copper to create ritual implements and ornaments. They were particularly inventive in combining metals and developed innovative techniques to achieve a desired effect, including some that were more sophisticated than those known in Europe at the time.
Did the Moche have a writing system?
The Moche Civilization was based in modern Peru. Although they left no written language, their culture was preserved in their art. A polytheistic culture that practiced human sacrifice, the Moche valued the priests and the warriors above all other people.
What kind of culture did the Moche people have?
They had separate rulers with the capital of the Northern Moche at Sipán, and that of the Southern Moche at the Huacas de Moche. The two regions have slightly different chronologies and have some variations in material culture. The Moche were a stratified society with a powerful elite and an elaborate, well-codified ritual process.
What was the political structure of the Moche empire?
While this issue is the subject of some debate, many scholars contend that the Moche were not politically organized as a monolithic empire or state. Rather, they were likely a group of autonomous polities that shared a common culture, as seen in the rich iconography and monumental architecture that survives today.
When did the Cupisnique and Moche cultures merge?
The Salinar culture reigned on the north coast of Peru in 200 BC–200 AD. According to some scholars, this was a short transition period between the Cupisnique and the Moche cultures. There are considerable parallels between Moche and Cupisnique iconography and ceramic designs, including the iconography of the ‘Spider god’.
How was the body buried in the Moche culture?
Often copper artifacts are found in the mouth, hands and under the feet of the interred individual. Generally, the corpse was prepared and placed in a coffin made of canes. The body is buried lying on its back in a fully-extended position, head to the south, upper limbs extended.