Room E1, Vitrine E14
Ceramic
Mochica
Peruvian Northern Coast
Florescent Epoch (1 AD – 800 AD)
ML007171, ML007173, ML007179, ML040454
“Pottery vessels also exist which depict the sexual act between a feline and a toad. The toad has always been a symbol of water, while the feline represents the earth. From this union a creature is born with the body of a toad and the ears of a jaguar. This is the fruit of the union of water and earth. Several representations have also been found of the toad-jaguar copulating with a jaguar, from the flanks of which cassava plants emerge. In this case, the feline is representing the plants, the vegetable kingdom. From this union a second creature is born with the characteristics of the toad and jaguar, with plants sprouting from its body. As the result of the union of water, earth and fruits, this symbolic figure is venerated as an agricultural deity. Deemed responsible for the corn harvest, this figure was important to the Mochica. Aia Paec is shown during the harvest, together with his usual servants, helping to shell the freshly gathered corncobs.” (Rafael Larco Hoyle, Checán, p. 105)