Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. A large ceremonial copper chisel or elongated tumi - a tongue-shaped blade that flares slightly at its edge with a long, cylindrical socket and a wide band where the socket meets the blade. Today, the piece has gained a beautiful mottled turquoise patina, but when made it would have shone in the sun. Figures depicted in Moche artwork - especially those painted on ceramic vessels - are often seen holding ceremonial objects like this one, while we know of others, like the one linked to below from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, that have elaborately carved handles. Imagine someone holding one of these beautiful objects to emphasize their authority. Size: 2.95" W x 14" H (7.5 cm x 35.6 cm); 15.25" H (38.7 cm) on included custom stand.

See a similar item with a decorative handle at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/315211

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany

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#145329

Bright, mottled turquoise patina on surface. Nice preservation of form. Very slight bending to socket.