Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. A fascinating tumi with a long, rectangular blade, topped by a warrior figure on a small rectangular platform. The figure has charming proportions, with a huge head and a tumi headdress that sits atop his head with an owl or other zoomorphic figure forming the cap. He holds a round shield and a tall staff with a conical mace head atop it. On his back is a similarly conical boss, perhaps representing a piece of armor, and a long, flowing skirt. The Paracas people, also from the Andes, used the tumi for trepanation; it is unknown if the Moche did similar, but they may have. In modern Peru, a tumi on the wall is a symbol of good luck. Size: 1" W x 6.7" H (2.5 cm x 17 cm); 7.2" H (18.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Salter collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, since 1990

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#125688

Patina on surface. Excellent remaining form and most details. End of blade has been repaired and is probably missing its curved edges.