**First Time At Auction**
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 BCE to 400 CE. A hammered copper knife known as a tumi, with a flat, rectangular blade and a thick tubular tang. The blade spine is surmounted by two birds with massive, curved bills, possibly toucans, perched just before the tang. The tang features an integral loop for suspension or additional ornamentation. The surface is covered in thick, ancient layer of green and russet patina, with some of the blade polished to reveal the glimmering golden hue of the copper. The tumi was a ritualistic knife, sometimes used to sacrifice llamas to the sun god. Size: 6.25" L x 1" W (15.9 cm x 2.5 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. #165673
Condition
Losses and chips to tip of blade. Old inventory label on surface. Areas of rich patina, but coppery surface still visible. Birds display wonderful details!