Mochica Ceramic Sculptures of Co-Sleeping

These ceramic bottles from the Mochica culture (1–800 AD) depict co-sleeping, with infants beside their parents. They show a couple in sexual union while the mother breastfeeds. Frequent depictions of anal intercourse may symbolize temporary infertility following childbirth due to exclusive breastfeeding. This reflects the complex interplay of intimacy, fertility, and child-rearing in ancient Peruvian society.