Final answer:
Scholars have deduced that the Moche had a complex social hierarchy and ritualistic practices based on their artifacts and art. These included militaristic depictions, as well as detailed craftsmanship in pottery and metalwork, reflecting their thorough social organization and artisan skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the artistry and relics left behind by the Moche civilization, scholars have drawn several conclusions about their culture and society, with a particular emphasis on their ritualistic practices and social hierarchies. The Moche's artworks depict scenes of warriors in combat, religious ceremonies, and other aspects of Moche life that inform us about their militaristic society and political structure. Notably, their art shows powerful divine kings and noble families ruling from pyramid-like structures, indicating a well-defined social order. Also, the intricate artwork on their pottery and metalworks suggests they had accomplished artists and metal workers, who created items such as gold headdresses and detailed clay portrait vessels.
Further, it is clear that the Moche shared common ideologies and religious practices as well as a consistent use of iconography, despite not forming a single unified political entity. Instead, they were politically independent groups, linked by common beliefs and artistic styles, according to recent archaeological findings and reinterpretations of their art. These insights give us a better understanding of the complex social structure of the Moche and their advanced craftsmanship.