Chimu or Ica Copper Tumi - 26 cm

03
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00
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Current bid
€ 40
Reserve price not met
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 450 - € 550
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€40

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Description from the seller

This ceremonial knife (Tumi) originates from the late intermediate period of pre-Columbian cultures in Peru. Made of solid copper, it features the characteristic shape with a straight handle and a crescent-shaped blade. The robust, naturally aged patina gives the piece an impressive presence and emphasizes its ritual significance.

Tumis were used in pre-Columbian Peru as ceremonial knives in sacrificial rites and were also highly valued as symbols of religious or political power. The simple, powerful design reflects the high craftsmanship and spiritual quality of the Chimu or Ica culture.

From an old European private collection, built in the 1970s–1980s.
Acquired at Galerie Wolfgang Ketterer, Munich.
138. Auction 'Pre-Columbian Art', Lot 394, on June 28, 1989.
Cataloged as a ceremonial knife (Tumi) made of greenish patinated copper. Late intermediate period, approximately 1000–1460. Length 26 cm. Origin: Peru, northern coast.

Subsequently, part of a private collection of ancient American art in Central Europe.
Accompanied by copies of the auction catalog and the collection card of that time. The original collection card is included.

This ceremonial knife (Tumi) originates from the late intermediate period of pre-Columbian cultures in Peru. Made of solid copper, it features the characteristic shape with a straight handle and a crescent-shaped blade. The robust, naturally aged patina gives the piece an impressive presence and emphasizes its ritual significance.

Tumis were used in pre-Columbian Peru as ceremonial knives in sacrificial rites and were also highly valued as symbols of religious or political power. The simple, powerful design reflects the high craftsmanship and spiritual quality of the Chimu or Ica culture.

From an old European private collection, built in the 1970s–1980s.
Acquired at Galerie Wolfgang Ketterer, Munich.
138. Auction 'Pre-Columbian Art', Lot 394, on June 28, 1989.
Cataloged as a ceremonial knife (Tumi) made of greenish patinated copper. Late intermediate period, approximately 1000–1460. Length 26 cm. Origin: Peru, northern coast.

Subsequently, part of a private collection of ancient American art in Central Europe.
Accompanied by copies of the auction catalog and the collection card of that time. The original collection card is included.

Details

Culture
Chimu or Ica
Century/ Timeframe
Späte Zwischenperiode, ca. 1100–1400 n. Chr.
Name of object
Tumi
Acquired from
Private collection
Subject/Depiction
Tumi
Year acquired
2025
Material
Copper
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Height
26 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1989
Width
10 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
GermanyVerified
254
Objects sold
98.25%
Private

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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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