Vessel Representing a Mythological Animal

200–400 CE
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This vessel is modeled in the form of a mythological creature known as the Moon Animal or Crested Animal. The four-legged figure possesses both feline and canine characteristics and also has fox-like features, such as triangular ears. It is sometimes associated with a crescent moon or stars. 



Los artistas moche se destacaban tanto en la creación de cerámica pintada como en la de cerámica modelada. Este ejemplo representa una vasija en forma de ser mitológico, conocida como "Dragón con cresta" o "Animal de la Luna". El cuadrúpedo tiene características felinas y caninas, así como rasgos de zorro tales como las orejas triangulares. A veces se lo asocia con una luna creciente o con estrellas, por aparecer junto a ellas.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vessel Representing a Mythological Animal
  • Date: 200–400 CE
  • Geography: Peru, North Coast
  • Culture: Moche
  • Medium: Ceramic inlaid with mother-of-pearl and turquoise
  • Dimensions: H. 7 15/16 × W. 4 1/16 × D. 5 3/8 in. (20.1 × 10.3 × 13.7 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Vessels
  • Credit Line: Museo Larco, Lima, Peru (ML012803)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing