Originally listed at $2,000...

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Sican-Lambayeque culture, ca. 1000 to 1350 CE. A rare ceremonial tumi formed from a lengthy sheet of hammered copper with a slightly flared handle and a crescent blade at one end. Along both sides of the handle are incised striations as well as 3 repeating figures representing Nylamp, the legendary hero founder of the Lambayeque and god of the underworld. Each figure stands with billowing hair and stern guises as they each hold a pair of spears. Tumis are ceremonial knives that often accompanied the warrior or shaman into the afterlife and important figures painted or molded on ceramic vessels are often seen holding these ceremonial objects. Nylamp was lauded as the traditional founder of the Lambayeque dynasty and equivalent to the Moche god, Ai Apec. Nylamp came from the south by sea and colonized the region before he allegedly sprouted wings and flew off into the sunset in a dramatic display of his magical powers. Size: 5.6" W x 11.1" H (14.2 cm x 28.2 cm); 12.125" H (30.8 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#171710

Slight bending to overall form, with minor resurfacing to one side of tumi blade, softening to some finer incised details, and light encrustations. Great patina throughout. Old inventory label on verso.