Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 800 CE. An impressive copper chisel like knife known as a tumi, with a figural finial represents the god Ai Apec - the verso shows his many crustacean legs. Ornamental tumis such as this, may have had a ritualistic function, and research suggests that tumis were used to address physical and spiritual ailments; cutting or trepanning to release evil spirits or blood to cure illnesses of the body or mind were practiced by the Moche, and tumis may also have even been used for skull modification. Size: 5.75" L x 1.2" W (14.6 cm x 3 cm)

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000; ex-HD Enterprises, Denver, Colorado, USA.

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#185987

  • Condition: Fissure encircling the blade neck on the verso below the figure; this is a delicate area and tumi should be handled with care to prevent breakage. Heavy green patina and mineral deposits on the surface. Softening to details but figure is well preserved.

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July 18, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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