**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

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#165673

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!