Moche erotic pots became
popular during the Middle Moche Period (AD 300-600), following a lucrative
phase of illustrating supernatural figures. Despite the constant threat of
looting in Peru, at least five hundred erotic pots are known to have survived, portraying
a vast array of sex acts – some of which would make Hugh Hefner blush.
Peculiarly, the sex pots have initiated little interest from archaeologists,
despite the fact that the Moche are one of the few Pre-Columbian societies to
portray sexual acts in art. The erotic pots, like most other examples of
fine-wear, were crafted for the Moche elite. We know from their burials that
the elite liked to surround themselves with luxury goods which those lower down
the hierarchy were not permitted to own.
Almost every sexual act
imaginable is represented: masturbation, fellatio and back-door activity. The
portrayal of the penis was particularly popular and many of the ceramic vessels
are phallic-shaped. Due to their significance in Moche art, penis pots shall be
discussed in their own right in another article (watch this space!).
Interestingly, depictions of female sexual organs are quite rare, though the
few known to archaeologists are quite memorable.
Scholars can only guess why
certain sex acts were more commonly depicted than others. The most common
sexual position is anal coitus (both heterosexual and homosexual). It is
possible that anal sex was a form of contraception, or a means by which one
could engage in a sexual act when all others were forbidden during agricultural
festivals. Several erotic pots portray the act of anal sex at religious
festivals between ‘chiefs’, male temple attendants wearing female regalia.
Another common motif is the
masturbating skeleton. No one could be blamed for thinking this to be downright
barmy, if not a little disturbing. However, the masturbating skeletons are
thought to be the personification of fertility, the primary source of ancestral
power. Often the skeleton is accompanied by a living man or woman, who is
assisting them in their quest for gratification. Together they are symbols of
life and death. As unconventional as they may be, the masturbating skeletons
imply that death is not the end.
It is also highly likely
that the erotic pots were a source of humour, as many of the people
artistically portrayed are pulling very comical faces. Personally, I cannot
imagine keeping a straight face if I was presented with a pot in the shape of a
giant penis.
If you fancy a glimpse of
these fascinating and often hilarious ceramics, head to the Museo Larco in Lima. There is a
whole exhibition dedicated to Moche sex pots, and it is well worth the trip.
