Sculptural ceramic ceremonial vessel that represents a flute player

In ancient Peru, the main ceremonies were accompanied by music and dance. Drums, rattles, whistles, trumpets, flutes and pan-flutes were executed and produce rhythms and melodies that were shared in ceremonies and dances. Whistling ceramic vessels which produce sounds while being moved were also used. The dancers and musicians dressed in elaborate and colorful costumes, which in some cases have metal elements, bells or rattles. Thus dresses and ornaments communicated the relationship of the characters with astral deities or forces of nature such as lightning, thunder, or rain. This Moche ceramic bottle represents a seated man playing the antara or Andean pan-flute. He is dressed in a tunic and wears a decorated cape; his face is decorated with facial paint and he is adorned with circular-shaped hanging earrings. (UH)
En el antiguo Perú, las principales ceremonias estuvieron acompañadas por música y danza. Tambores, sonajas, silbatos, quenas, antaras y trompetas eran ejecutados y producían ritmos y melodías que eran compartidas en ceremonias y danzas. También se utilizaron vasijas silbadoras de cerámica que producían sonidos con el movimiento. Los danzantes y músicos visten con elaboradas y coloridas indumentarias, que en algunos casos llevan elementos metálicos, cascabeles o sonajas de metal. De esta manera los vestidos y adornos comunicaban la relación de los personajes con las divinidades astrales u otras fuerzas de la naturaleza como el relámpago, el trueno, o la lluvia. Esta botella de cerámica Mochica representa un hombre sentado tocando la flauta andina o quena. Viste túnica y lleva una capa decorada, su rostro presenta pintura facial y está adornado con orejeras en forma de pendientes circulares. (UH)