Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 to 400 CE. A hammered copper knife blade called a "tumi" with a lengthy, rectangular body and a thick tubular tang. The knife is surmounted by a bird, possibly a raptor or eagle, standing on a square plinth and displaying a large, curved beak, almond-shaped eye, attenuated legs, and folded wings as he grasps a snake in his talons and kills it with his sharp beak. Both blade and bird are covered in thick, ancient layers of seafoam green and russet patina, evocative of the ancient world. Size: 1" W x 6.625" H (2.5 cm x 16.8 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Alex Gordon collection, New York, USA, 1950 to 1960

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#162983

  • Condition: Light abrasions to blade and some softening of detail to finial. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely green and russet patina throughout.

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June 10, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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