Pre-Columbian Inca Tumi / Timu ceremonial knife artifact replica - Peruvian art
Inca Tumi - ceremonial knife amulet
Dimensions - Length - 9 cm / 3-1/2 inches
Width - 3.3 cm - 1-1/4 inches
This very detailed replica features the most celebrated artifact of the ancient Andean cultures in amuletic form. It is a symbolic, blunt version of the famous Peruvian knife that had counterparts in Aztec and Mayan cultures. Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone and has been given an earthy patina with a light polish.
* Included with the Tumi is an atmospheric replica Inca culture card of early 20th century design.
Historical information - The Inca, the Chimu and the Moche peoples were said to have been descendants of the sun and much of the imagery used in artworks featured some aspect of the great solar god. This piece features the sun in a stylized headdress that illuminates the figure below.
These 'Tumi' were characterized by a semicircular blade connected to a shaft that may or may not have a decorative handle. They had a multitude of functions including domestic use for cutting meat and vegetables, and even medicinal uses are known to have been practiced.
The most sacred use for the Tumi occurred after the harvest of the maize and potato crops whereby a pure black or pure white llama was sacrificed with the most powerful knife. The king would read the internal organs in a shamanic ritual to predict the future level of prosperity or hardship.The Tumi were buried with nobility and kings and amuletic versions also being made for whoever could afford them.
*As each item is handmade, slight colour variations may occur.
Shipping from Australia
Processing time
3-5 business days
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 1 - 3 weeks
- Europe : 1 - 3 weeks
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 2 weeks
- Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 weeks
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 weeks
- North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 weeks
- Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 weeks
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
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