Mochica Pottery EvolutionRafael Larco Hoyle

Mochica stirrup-spout vessels (1–800 AD) showcase the ceramic artistry of the Mochica culture. Rafael Larco Hoyle categorized them into five phases in 1946, based on handle and spout design, vessel size, and decorative details. This classification, supported by the stratigraphic positioning of tombs, remains influential in archaeology, highlighting the Mochica’s sophisticated craftsmanship and cultural evolution.