Moche Phase ceramics can be found throughout the north coast of Peru during most of the first millennium AD. Moche artisans produced a wide array of ceramic vessels including bowls, plates, jars, cups, and bottles. The most typical Moche vessel was the stirrup-spout bottle, easily recognizable by the shape of its handle. Lateral handle bottles are also popular. Stirrup-spout bottles changed in shape and size throughout the development of the Moche society. This stylistic variability allows archaeologists to associate certain vessel forms to specific phases of Moche prehistory.Moche vessels served several different functions from everyday cooking to long-term storage and religious ceremonies. For example, stirrup-spout bottles are believed to have been used for drinking during specific rituals. Moche ceramics also marked social status and many archaeological examples come from the graves of high-status individuals. The practice of placing offerings in graves was very important for the Moche, and several different types of objects were offered to accompany members of the Moche society in the afterlife.During Moche times, ceramic vessels were typically manufactured with a two-piece mould and often decorated before they were fired. Moche potters were skilful artists who represented their vision of the world by sculpting and painting designs on ceramic vessels. The Moche are famous for their fineline painting, and red and white were their favourite colours. Moche imagery is complex and often arranged as scenes narrating myths, rituals and other stories. Moche artists also sculpted portraits of select individuals.