Ceramic ceremonial vessel that represents a combat scene ML001730

This painted ceramic bottle represents a scene of ceremonial combat and ulterior procession of the defeated warriors. Moche warriors faced each other with clubs and shields. Combat was hand-to-hand and seems to have taken place in open areas like those found on the desert coast. When a warrior removed another’s helmet or grabbed his hair the combat was over. The defeated warrior was stripped and his weapons and clothes were wrapped in a bundle. The victors led the defeated warriors by ropes tied around their neck to their final destination: the place of sacrifice. (UH)Esta botella de cerámica pintada representa una escena de combate ceremonial y posterior procesión de los guerreros vencidos. Los guerreros Mochica se enfrentaban con sus porras y escudos. El combate era cuerpo a cuerpo, y parece que se llevaba a cabo en espacios abiertos tales como los desiertos costeños. Cuando un guerrero le quitaba su casco al otro y lo sujetaba por el cabello, el enfrentamiento terminaba. El guerrero vencido era despojado de su atuendo, y se hacía un atado con sus armas y vestidos. Los vencedores llevaban a los guerreros derrotados con cuerdas amarradas al cuello hacia su destino final: el sacrificio. (UH)