**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Northern Coast of Peru, Moche culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE; Chimu culture, ca. 1100 to 1470 AD. A fine ensemble of 3 copper tumis, each presenting flattened form with a curved and sharpened blade edge, as well as a lengthy body. Hailing from Chimu culture, 2 of the tumis feature semi-circular heads with thick bodies that flare outwards at the base, while the Moche tumi has a straight body with a petite, annular drill hole at the base. Size (of largest): 9.2" L x 6.1" W (23.4 cm x 15.5 cm)

We know that tumis were sometimes used to sacrifice llamas to the Sun god. The Paracas people, one of the early residents of the Andes, used the tumi for trepanation; it is unknown if later cultures did similar, but they certainly could have. In modern Peru, a tumi on the wall is a symbol of good luck.

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

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#165198

Chips to peripheries of all. Some abrasions with light losses and indentations to surface of largest. Small perforation to body of largest. Otherwise, all are very nice with beautiful patina.