Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A fantastical copper tumi with a long, thin shaft, an ovoid blade, and a terminal in the form of a lord with a huge, tumi-shaped headdress. The lord's hand is raised to his mouth. He wears a mask - a rare portrayal - that gives his eyes huge rings around them, and flattens out his nose. Below his head, his body has little detail. Pairs of copper bells dangle from copper rings on each side of his body. The tumi was a ceremonial knife with a semicircular blade whose symbolic purpose is to slit the throat of sacrificial victims. Size: 5.7" W x 7.25" H (14.5 cm x 18.4 cm); 10.1" H (25.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#145399

  • Condition: Intact, with a rich, mottled, turquoise patina. Nice remaining detail on the figure.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000