Description:

Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Moche culture, ca. 300 to 500 CE. A wonderful pair of copper ceremonial rattle tumis - representing a Moche weapon of the day. Each of the ancient weapons has a crescent blade atop and large hollow handles, which once held rattling balls and would have been carried during ceremonial functions. Today, these pieces have gained beautiful mottled turquoise patina, but when made they would have shone in the sun. Figures depicted in Moche artwork - especially those painted on ceramic vessels - are often seen holding ceremonial objects like these examples. Imagine someone holding one of these beautiful objects to emphasize their authority. Size (of largest): 4" W x 12.5" H (10.2 cm x 31.8 cm); 13.635" H (34.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired October 8th, 2020; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA; ex-private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#164499

  • Condition: Collection labels on verso of both. Both intact and excellent with deep verdigris patina and burial cloth adhering to surface.

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June 17, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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