Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca, ca. 1200 to 1532 CE. This is a fine pair of copper axe or tumi blades with flared cutting edges at one end and a tapering T-shaped body. The first is a broader shape with etched motifs across one side of the face. The blade is incised with a triangular and stepped shape, and the top grip has a linear square pattern with small crosses in the center. The other blade is elongated with an openwork design of T shapes and crosses. Both are pierced through the top for suspension or to haft to a handle like an axe for ritualistic use. Tumis were sometimes used to sacrifice llamas to the Sun god. In modern Peru, a tumi on the wall is a symbol of good luck. Size of largest: 4.125" L x 1.75" W (10.5 cm x 4.4 cm); smaller: 3" L x 2.8" W (7.6 cm x 7.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-Drimmer collection, Florida, USA, before 1965

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#165202

  • Condition: Heavy green and blue patina and oxidation on longer blade. Slight bending of profile and mineral encrustations within openwork. Chips to butt end peripheries. Shorter blade is coated in a clear fixative coating to preserve the surface. Minor nicks to blade edge and chip to periphery. Dark green and russet patina. Both are intact.

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June 24, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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