Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Moche culture, ca. 300 to 500 CE. A wonderful pair of copper ceremonial rattle tumis - representing a Moche weapon of the day. Each of the ancient weapons has a crescent blade atop and large hollow handles, which once held rattling balls and would have been carried during ceremonial functions. Today, these pieces have gained beautiful mottled turquoise patina, but when made they would have shone in the sun. Figures depicted in Moche artwork - especially those painted on ceramic vessels - are often seen holding ceremonial objects like these examples. Imagine someone holding one of these beautiful objects to emphasize their authority. Size (of largest): 4" W x 12.5" H (10.2 cm x 31.8 cm); 13.635" H (34.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired October 8th, 2020; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA; ex-private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#164499

Collection labels on verso of both. Both intact and excellent with deep verdigris patina and burial cloth adhering to surface.