essay

The priests of the Bicephalus Arc: tombs and effigies found in Huaca de la Luna and their relation to Moche rituals

art and archaeology of the moche : an ancient andean society of the peruvian north coastAustin • Published In 2008 • Pages: 153-178

By: Uceda, Santiago.

Abstract
The author examines artifacts from the Huacas de Moche that resemble ceremonial objects seen in ceramic iconography, especially the coca ceremony. These include the lime container, the spatula, headdress ornaments, and the feline effigy worn by a principal participant. The coca ceremony may have been a prelude to, or concluded with, human sacrifices such as those found in Huaca de la Luna Plaza 3. Possible roles the sacrificial victims may have played in Moche society are considered. It is proposed that warriors were of lower status than the Moche elite, and victory in battle may have allowed them to rise in rank.
Subjects
Recreational and non-therapeutic drugs
Paraphernalia
Visual arts
Status, role, and prestige
Warfare
Burial practices and funerals
Prayers and sacrifices
Organized ceremonial
tradition
Moche
HRAF PubDate
2015
Region
South America
Sub Region
Central Andes
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2013
Field Date
1991, 1992, 1995, 1996
Coverage Date
1880-1400 BP (AD 120-600)
Coverage Place
Huaca de La Luna (Huacas de Moche), Moche district, Trujillo (Moche Valley), La Libertad, Peru
Notes
Santiago Uceda
Includes bibliographical references (p. 176-178)
LCCN
2008027539
LCSH
Moche (Peru)--Antiquities