Two Moche Bronze Tumi

Two Pre-Columbian Moche bronze tumi knives.

Peru, north coast.
Ca. 1100 - 1300 AD.
Maximum width: 5 1/2 in. (14 cm).

The tumi (ceremonial knife) was carried during state ceremonies to represent, in a more precious form, the copper knives used for animal sacrifices. The tumi was made with diverse metalworking techniques. Solid casting was used to produce the blade. The face and body were created with annealing (heating, shaping, and then cooling) and repoussé, in which the relief design is hammered into a mold from the reverse side.

Formerly in a California private collection.
Inv#: 8708
Guaranteed Authentic

$500

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