Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A stunning cast copper ceremonial knife known as a tumi, with an unusual scene being fought on the finial. The blade is rectangular shaped with a cylindrical tang and an integral suspension loop. Atop the flat, rectangular finial base is jaguar-headed warrior fighting with the deity Ai Apec. The figures face each other, arms locked, as Ai Apec yanks back the top of the jaguar-man's head, as they hold implements, likely knives, to each other's necks. From the posterior of both are tails or loin cloths in the form of animal heads. Ai Apec wears an elaborate headdress with animal perched on his head. The Decapitator god is often depicted as half-man, half-jaguar. Size: 9.25" L x 1.75" W (23.5 cm x 4.4 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Many scenes in Moche art appear to be scenes from myths, however much of the narrative and symbolism has been lost to time. Little is known about their deities, the three main figures are Ai Apec (Ai Apaec), the Goddess of the Earth, and the Decapitator God of Darkness - confusingly, Ai Apec is also sometimes known as the Decapitator or the Headsman due to his fierce nature. Ai Apec was the primary deity of the Moche culture and was known as the supreme creator god whose throne is usually positioned upon a high mountain as he was believed to be the son of the mountain god. He provided water, food, and military triumphs to the Moche, but this powerful figure was also feared. While he was revered as a creator god, he was simultaneously regarded as a fierce and fearsome deity. One myth claims that Ai Apec confronted a mythical creature with fish and sea creature characteristics, and Ai Apec takes its head, perhaps a similar scene is portrayed on this tumi.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960s

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#168188

Repair to the handle just below finial tip; this is reattached to the rest of the rod. Green patina throughout out. Surface pitting and some softening of details. Warrior figures are intact and very good.