Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca Empire, ca. 1470 to 1532 CE. A pair of elegant axe heads, solid-cast from copper, with large cylindrical sockets for hafting and a distinctive flattened T-shape. Comes with custom stand that displays both as shown. Neither seems to have been re-sharpened and may have been made solely for ceremonial or funerary use. Striking examples with gorgeous green patina! Size of largest: 0.85" L x 4.7" W x 3.5" H (2.2 cm x 11.9 cm x 8.9 cm)

Similar axes are documented from Macchu Piccu; those are made of an alloy that is roughly 96% copper and 4% tin, a percentage that may pertain to these as well. In general, we assume that these were hafted onto a wooden shaft; they were modeled on similar pieces that were used for cutting trees and clearing fields.

Provenance: Ex-Harvey Collection, acquired prior to 1972

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#119770

  • Condition: Both have stunning green patina; forms still show excellent shape and definition.

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February 9, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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