Stirrup-spout sculptural bottle with representation of two figures

Represented for over 500 years, ritual combat and the sacrifice of prisoners was probably the main ceremony of the Mochica society. Recent archaeological findings indicate that the depicted events actually took place and represented a significant deployment of resources and people. The combat scenes were initiated with finely attired warriors, carrying clubs and shields, ready to confront the opponent. After the battle, the defeated warrior was stripped of his clothes and headdress and a rope would be tied around his neck. The naked prisoners were taken in procession to a ceremonial site and were presented before the priests for sacrifice. Their throats would be slit and the blood was offered to the main gods. This stirrup-handle bottle shows the precise moment in which the naked prisoner faces the priest. (CP)