Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. This is a gorgeous trio of large copper blades from ceremonial axes or knives known as tumis. Each is shaped from sheets of copper and hammered into flat pieces with a flared edge and a rectangular body. The broader two have geometric and linear motifs engraved into their surfaces with the larger displaying a linear meander with triangular tips and dashes along the edges. The other is engraved with triangles and squares with an x in the center. While tumis were handheld objects, the piercing hole suggest that perhaps the blades were hafted on a pole or handle to use with a ritualistic axe, or the holes were added later for suspension. In modern Peru, a tumi on the wall is a symbol of good luck, and all three of these are polished to a glimmering surface and are ready to be displayed. Size of widest: 2.875" L x 3.5" W (7.3 cm x 8.9 cm); narrow blade: 3.375" L x 2" W (8.6 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Drimmer collection, Florida, USA, before 1965

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#165199

Chips and weathering to edges as expected with age and use. Losses and tear to edge of largest. Surface pitting and scratches to all. Areas of dark patina and toning on all. Polished surfaces on all.