**Originally Listed At $5000**

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Sican / Lambayeque to Chimu culture, ca. 700 to 1100 CE. A superb example of a ceremonial tumi scepter shaped from a sheet of 53.8% to 55.5% gold (equivalent to 12K+), 39 to 41.1% silver, and 4% to 5% copper. The blade-shaped tumi body is straight and malleable and is topped by a pair of abstract figures. The seated figures, perhaps representing Naylamp, the traditional founder of the Lambayeque Dynasty, each hold a jaguar by the tail with the creatures' bodies inverted, and above is an enormous, crescent-shaped tumi blade with impressed edges. Two conical ornaments with spherical upper elements are suspended by wires from the outermost corner of the tumi blade and imbue the artifact with a delicate opulence. Size (tumi): 2.7" W x 8.1" H (6.9 cm x 20.6 cm); metal quality: 53.8% to 55.5% gold (equivalent to 12K+), 39% to 41.1% silver, and 4% to 5% copper; total weight: 40.5 grams; (display case): 4" L x 4.1" W x 10.4" H (10.2 cm x 10.4 cm x 26.4 cm)

The figures probably represent Naylamp (also Naymlap, Nanlap, or Nylamp), the traditional founder of the Lambayeque dynasty believed to have come from the south by sea to colonize the region before he allegedly sprouted wings and flew off into the sunset in a dramatic display of his magical powers.

Sican elites were patrons of workshops that made fine metal objects like this tumi and its danglers, and they took their wealth with them when they passed away. Buried in mounds, these individuals would be entombed in high style.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177491

Tumi body possibly reattached to top of blade body with resurfacing along break lines. Slight bending to overall form of openwork tumi and blade body, with light abrasions, softening to some finer details, and some light earthen deposits, otherwise in excellent condition. Wonderful patina throughout.