Moche Horned Owl Stirrup Vessel, 200 CE - 600 CE
Terracotta
5.25 x 8.25 x 6
PF.1864
Further images
The owl figures prominently in Moche iconography, associated with wisdom, nocturnal activity, magic, medicine and death. Shamans, healers and medicine men are frequently shown in the guise of an owl,...
The owl figures prominently in Moche iconography, associated with wisdom, nocturnal activity, magic, medicine and death. Shamans, healers and medicine men are frequently shown in the guise of an owl, perhaps because of their ability to see what is hidden from normal sight. This dignified owl with white highlights appears only as an elegant observation of nature, free from obvious symbolism. Yet we cannot help but feel that the re is something magic about him, something supernatural and mysterious, as if he were aware of timeless secrets.