Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche, ca. 100 to 600 CE. A hammered copper tumi with a sculptural upper terminal depicting a couple engaged in an explicitly erotic, perhaps homoerotic, act. The blade is of a crescent-like shape - suggesting a lunar association. In addition to sexual acts, the Moche used metalworks and pottery to represent various deities, food sources, animals, cargadors, prisoners, and more. Indeed, the Moche deemed it important to record and teach about all aspects of their lives through their art. Size: 5.625" H (14.3 cm); 6.25" H (15.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Sexual acts are common imagery found in Moche ceramics as well as metalworks like this example. Scholar Paul Matheiu, in his book entitled, "Sex Pots: Eroticism in Ceramics" describes "a wide variety of sexual acts are represented: female to male fellatio is quite common; kissing and fondling; male masturbation (but never female masturbation); intercourse between heterosexual couples, in various positions; birthing scenes; also, intercourse between animals (copulating frogs, mice, dogs, llamas, monkeys, at times on corn or other food crops); and intercourse between human females and mythical animals (such as the bat and the jaguar who both had special religious connotations in Moche culture)." (Matheiu, 2003)

The Paracas people, also from the Andes, used the tumi for trepanation; although little studied, it is possible that the Moche conducted a similar practice. In modern Peru, a tumi on the wall is a symbol of good luck.

For similar examples of tumis with erotic scenes see "Cobre del Antiquo Peru - The Copper of Ancient Peru" (Paloma Carcedo Muro, 1998).

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#139383

Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Wonderful blue-green patina graces the surface as well.