Trapiche Ware is found in the Moquegua Valley in the Andes Mountains, located near the Titicaca Basin. Although it is difficult to distinguish the different styles of pottery that were found in the Moquegua Valley, there are 3 different phases, the Moquegua, the Huaracane and Trapiche. Trapiche Ware is found in the Trapiche Phase, related to the Pukara style, which was indicated by the presence of Pukara colonists from the time is was manufactured by humans.

Trapiche Ware is distinguished by zoned-incised painted pottery, with many designs painted on them. For example, one vessel found  had a feline motif. This pottery has been found in many burial mounds. Trapiche Ware was considered a valued trade object, an important status symbol in the burial process. There has only been a handful of Trapiche sherds found, so little is known about the culture of the people that manufactured them. 

Written by Becky Corle, 2002