Vessel in the Shape of a Crested Animal in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2018

Vessel in the Shape of a Crested Animal,A.D. 525–550

Object Details

Date: A.D. 525–550

Geography: Peru

Culture: Moche

Medium: Ceramic

Dimensions: H. 8 9/16 × W. 8 1/4 in. (21.7 × 21 cm)

Classification: Ceramics-Vessels

Credit Line: Museo de Sitio de Chan Chan, Huanchaco, Peru, Ministerio de Cultura del Perú (13-01-04/IV/A-1/13, 453)


The vessel in the shape of a creature often referred to as the Crested Animal includes the claws, fangs, and spots and stripes of a feline as well as characteristics of other animals. One of three serrated crests resembles the lower half of a sea horse and curls under the body to serve as the hindquarters.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/722395