The fierce, feline-fanged demon shown on either side of this early vessel is Ai-Apec the principal God of Ancient Peru. The cult of this deity thrived for centuries. Existing even at the time of the European conquest. Ai-Apec was a warrior God who protected his people against all threats. In addition, he was the God of agriculture and fertility responsible for the survival of life. His image always with a snarling expression to frighten away evil appears frequently in the art of many north Peruvian cultures. This early Mochica vessel was perhaps intended as a grave offering to the god on behalf of the deceased. With quick, bold lines, the artist evokes the absolute power of the God, whose awesome majesty remains undiminished by the centuries.