Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Incan Empire, ca. 1100 to 1532 CE. Four fine hammered bronze tumis, each with flared blade portions, flanged handles, and thin bases. The flattened, fan-shaped items were typically ritual blades used for sacrificing animals or, in some extreme cases, other humans. However, anthropologists have discovered that these were used as a primitive form of currency, known as "tajaderas" ("choppers" in Spanish). Each item is covered in gorgeous areas of blue-green and emerald-hued patina. Size of largest: 4.75" H (12.1 cm).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Dr. George Wald collection, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1960s. Dr. George Wald is the recipient of the 1967 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on the retina.

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#131265

  • Condition: All items have age-commensurate surface wear, and small nicks to handles and blade edges, otherwise intact and very good. Light mineral deposits and lovely green and blue-green patina throughout.

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March 1, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000