An Inca Copper Bifaced Ceremonial Tumi, ca. 1400 - 1533 CE
This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.
The Inca inherited a metalworking tradition that began well over 2,000 years before their rise to power. They brought metalworkers from all over the empire, especially the north coast, to their capital Cuzco, to produce objects in gold, silver, copper, and bronze. Knives, or tumis, were among the most common and widely distributed metal tools produced in Inca times. Typically made of tin bronze or copper such as this example, tumis were used in ritual sacrifice in the Andes for thousands of years and are frequently seen in artworks in the hands of deities and supernaturals about to perform an act of animal sacrifice, to honor the sun God Inti.
The knives themselves are often embellished with sacrificial scenes at the top or with elements that refer to sacrifice. On this tumi, the handle shows an Inca noble or ruler surmounting a sharp semicircular blade. He is dressed in full regalia and wearing a crescent headdress, who stands on a trophy head, his arms to his abdomen and his feet splayed outward. On the other side, a naked woman is portrayed in a similar pose.
Dimensions: Height: 3 3/8 inches (8.5 cm)
Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall.
Provenance: Oma Ben-Ari Collection, Israel, purchased in 2011 from Galeria Con Tici, Florida.
QUESTIONS? Just click the Contact Us tab on your right.
We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.
For overseas shipments we charge a small flat rate which includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.
Overseas shipments are sent using FedEx International priority but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.
Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.
Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
Choose options
