Moche Fineline Painting of Ancient Peru

2001 – October 21, 2001

The Moche civilization flourished on the north coast of Peru between 100 and 800 C.E., leaving behind a vivid artistic record of their beliefs and activities in beautifully painted ceramics. Complex scenes — warriors, burial ceremonies, animals, and supernatural beings — were painted using extremely narrow lines that wrapped around the chambers of the vessels. This exhibition featured 50 large-scale drawings reproduced from the painted originals by artist and scholar Donna McClelland. Many of these drawings were displayed with the vessels from which they were taken. Together, the drawings and ceramics speak to a remarkable people and their artistic canon.