Chimu or Ica Copper Tumi - 26 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 450 - € 550
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Description from the seller
This ceremonial knife (Tumi) comes from the late Intermediate Period of pre-Columbian Peru. Made of solid copper, it features the characteristic form with a straight handle and a semicircular blade. The thick, naturally grown patina gives the piece an impressive presence and emphasizes its ritual significance.
Tumis were used in pre-Columbian Peru as ceremonial knives in sacrifice rites and were also highly valued as symbols of religious or political power. The simple, powerful design points to the high level of craftsmanship and spiritual quality of the Chimú or Ica culture.
From an old European private collection, assembled in the 1970s–1980s. Acquired at Galerie Wolfgang Ketterer, Munich, 138th Auction “Pre-Columbian Art,” Lot 394, on June 28, 1989. Cataloged there as “Ceremonial knife (Tumi) made of green patinated copper. Late Intermediate Period, about 1000–1460. Length 26 cm. Origin: Peru, northern coast.”
Subsequently part of a private collection of Old American art in Central Europe. Accompanied by copies of the auction catalog and the collection card from that time. The original collection catalog file is included.
This ceremonial knife (Tumi) comes from the late Intermediate Period of pre-Columbian Peru. Made of solid copper, it features the characteristic form with a straight handle and a semicircular blade. The thick, naturally grown patina gives the piece an impressive presence and emphasizes its ritual significance.
Tumis were used in pre-Columbian Peru as ceremonial knives in sacrifice rites and were also highly valued as symbols of religious or political power. The simple, powerful design points to the high level of craftsmanship and spiritual quality of the Chimú or Ica culture.
From an old European private collection, assembled in the 1970s–1980s. Acquired at Galerie Wolfgang Ketterer, Munich, 138th Auction “Pre-Columbian Art,” Lot 394, on June 28, 1989. Cataloged there as “Ceremonial knife (Tumi) made of green patinated copper. Late Intermediate Period, about 1000–1460. Length 26 cm. Origin: Peru, northern coast.”
Subsequently part of a private collection of Old American art in Central Europe. Accompanied by copies of the auction catalog and the collection card from that time. The original collection catalog file is included.
Details
Culture
Chimu or Ica
Century/timeframe
Späte Zwischenperiode, ca. 1100–1400 n. Chr.
Name of object
Tumi
Acquired from
Private collection
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
Sold by
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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.
