So too are the club and shield, represented by the miniature copper version found near the darts. The top and sides of the rattle chamber depict an elaborately dressed warrior holding a crouching figure by the hair while hitting him with his war club. The tomb's multiple sets of combat objects, their exquisite craftsmanship, and the fact that they are made of gold and silver indicate that this warrior was of unusually high status and possessed special qualities. To understand why, it is necessary to understand the role of warriors and combat in Moche society. Moche art provides numerous depictions of military equipment, warriors, and warrior activity.
Some scenes show warriors parading as though in preparation for war.
The artistic depictions show that a primary purpose of Moche warfare was to capture enemy warriors. Once they were taken prisoner, their weapons and clothing were removed and hung from the war clubs of their captors. With ropes around their necks, the prisoners were paraded, formally presented in courtly scenes, and ultimately sacrificed. The ceremony involved a specific cast of participants, recognizable by characteristic poses and garments. One Moche ceramic bottle bears a highly detailed depiction of the sacrifice ceremony, painted in fine-line drawing around its chamber.