Pre-Columbian Moche III Ai apaec pottery vessel - TL tested

This Moche III stirrup-spout vessel dates to 300-450 CE and is from the Laredo site in the North Coast of Peru. It is a particularly rare representation of Ai Apaec in turtle form wearing a snake belt, an uncommon depiction in Moche iconography. Ai Apaec is often portrayed as a fierce deity with feline features or associated with the jaguar, sea creatures, or warrior motifs. However, his transformation into a turtle—symbolizing adaptability and protection—adds a unique dimension to his characterization, highlighting his multifaceted nature and connection to marine environments.

In this rare depiction, Ai Apaec is shown with a human upper body and a turtle shell covering his back, emphasizing his link to the sea and his ability to transform across different forms. The crab's pincers gripping his hands add a dynamic element to the scene, illustrating a struggle that reinforces his status as a powerful figure facing adversities.

This vessel’s unique portrayal of Ai Apaec with a turtle shell offers a glimpse into lesser-known aspects of Moche mythology and underscores the culture's fascination with the deity's transformative powers and complex symbolism. The interaction between the turtle (Ai Apaec in this form) and the human-crab may represent a struggle or conflict between different forces in nature or the cosmos. In this interpretation, the turtle could symbolize longevity, protection, and stability, while the crab, known for its sharp claws and defensive behavior, may represent aggression, entrapment, or a challenge. The crab clawing at the hands of Ai Apaec could depict a mythological battle or a symbolic representation of challenges faced by divine or supernatural beings, illustrating themes of resilience and conflict resolution.A rare, and fine example! 8" in height.

Ex. Hannah Gandelman collection acquired through family descent, Hollywood, Fl. In the family collection prior to 1970.