Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche to Inca Empire, ca. 500 to 1400 CE. A collection of four ancient copper ceremonial tools, likely from funerary contexts, comprising a large tumi with a crescent blade showing stippled surface texture, mineral encrustations, and textile impressions from long interment, a massive crescent-shaped blade, a slender rectangular celt, and a broad flat blade with a rounded cutting edge. Each piece bears rich green and brown patination from age and burial, reflecting their ritual rather than utilitarian function, and together they represent the ceremonial traditions and metallurgical skill of Andean cultures spanning from the Moche through the Inca Empire. Size of crescent blade: 12.3" L x 4" W (31.2 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#150015

  • Condition: Green patina and oxidation. Remains of textile fibers on tumi. Stable hairline fissure on crescent blade. Some nicks and abrasions but all are intact. Old inventory numbers written on the surface of 2.

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December 5, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000