Moche murals and ceramic models and paintings suggest that they worshipped several of the widespread Andean deities known from Chavin times. One was the 'Smiling god', the jaguar-toothed but benevolent deity of the Chavin, another was the 'Staff-god', a figure holding a staff in each hand, perhaps identifiable with the creator god, Viracocha, worshipped by the later Inca.
A god clutching a decapitating knife in one hand and a severed head in the other is commonly shown, underlining the Moche sacrifice of prisoners, but also making a link with the popular Andean trophy head cult. The ruling warrior-priests are personified in a deity , Ai-Apec, who holds a single staff of office.
A wide range of lesser deities also appear in Moche art, particularly in the scenes depicted on the pottery. Here they often appear in the place of people in scenes that are now interpreted as mythological stories. Bean-shaped warriors fight; animal-headed priests perform human sacrifices; offerings of blood are made to deities seated on the warrior-priest's throne.
The scenes, however, also accurately reflect real-life Moche practices: for instance, archaeological discoveries confirm the importance of human sacrifice as a major component of religious activities, which took place in the religious complexes that surrounded and surmounted the great huacas (pyramids).
The ritual use of hallucinogenic drugs, such as coca and the San Pedro cactus, and folk healing practices are also depicted, as are various sexual activities with a presumed religious significance.
