Themes

 Moche art has been broken down into categories or themes. These themes occur repeatedly on a variety of materials that clearly define an aspect of Moche life (Donnan and McClelland 1979). There are several characters that play roles in each of these themes. Details and exaggerations appear to be up to the story teller; however the characters remain the same.  =Burial =  Iguana and Wrinkle Face are seen repeatedly in burial objects (Donnan and McClelland 1979). If we are to begin to accept that Moche pictures contain a heavier meaning than purely artistic then the aspect of other representations depicting must be considered. For example as the story teller unfurls his tale he is inclusive of all details surrounding the circumstances of his chronicle. Specific aspects unique to the circumstance are incorporated onto the pallet. For example grave goods that are specific to the burial to which they are associated are included in the drawings (Donnan and McClelland 1979). The detail is the key aspect of importance. It suggests to the viewer or “reader” that the event of burial is significant. The social construct of the ritual is more important than telling a story of an expired member of society.

 =Conch-Shell Trade = Another character that occurs in several themes is Kneeler. Kneeler, so named because of his position, is a common character in the burial theme. His picture, like Iguana and Wrinkle Face is extremely interpretive. Kneeler is usually depicted with attendants that appear to be wearing net shirts. Net Shirts as they are so named, appear with Kneeler in depictions of Tule boats. This is the only situation in Moche art where a character is featured knelt down in all instances (Donnan and McClelland 1979). These characters when used in conjunction in the burial theme appear to be either presenting or receiving a conch shell (Donnan and McClelland 1979). Considering the wide spread use of these characters in burial objects, it represents a culture wide phenomena that is part of the social ideology of the people. The ritual surrounding burial where a conch shell is transferred from someone who travels by boat is an integral part of the ritual. It is so important that it must be displayed or written on pottery.