The Moche people of ancient Peru have been
called the Greeks of South America, and with
good reason. The rudimentary technical and
artistic developements of earlier cultural styles
achieved complete maturity in the Mochica
phase. Rarely have any people at any time in
human history created a more impressive picture
of the variety of their daily life and of the gods
they worshiped, than did the Moche people. The
specialization of craftsmanship which began
during the Chavin culture was developed further
during this classic period, resulting in the
evolution of an immense variety of special skills,
the discoveries of the past forming the basis on
which new techniques could unfold. This
splendid artistic creativity and craftsmanship is
brilliantly illustrated in this gold hollow-core corn
cob, its simple form instilled with tremendous
expressive power. Among other crops, corn was
produced by the Moche in fields that were
irrigated through the use of a highly competent
system of irrigation, one which turned their river
valley into fertile oases and assured the
inhabitants of a plentiful food supply. Aside from
turning their harvested corn into flour, the Moche
also created Chicha, a type of beer made from
fermented corn, consumed by the ancient Moche
on ceremonial occasion. Perhaps then, this
stunning golden ear of corn, pierced at either
end, was worn by a priest as part of his
ceremonial costume, suspended from his neck by
a long cord. Or, it is possible that this symbolic
work of art was originally woven onto a
ceremonial headdress, for metal components
formed an integral part of the elaborate
headdresses worn during ritual ceremonies.
Whatever its original function, this vibrant work of
art remais today as a stunning example of the
highly imaginative and expressive Moche culture,
one which continues to cast its magic spell upon
us.
- (FJ.5121)
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