Stunning Inca Silver Tumi w/ Llama Finial

Lot 183a

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686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
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Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more

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Exceptional Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic by Artemis Gallery

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Exceptional Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographi...

By Artemis Gallery

Jun 10, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-06-10 10:00:00 2021-06-10 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-7012 Museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Viking, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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Lot Description

Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Inca, ca. 1200 to 1532 CE. A spectacular and rare ceremonial tumi cast from 89.5% to 93.15% silver and hammered to the desired shape. The bottom features the curved, ovoid blade topped by a lengthy cylindrical handle with a finial of a llama's head. The camelid is quite charming, with perked ears and inquisitive expression, comprised of flared nostrils, wide eyes, and slightly open mouth. Size: 6.125" L x 5.25" W (15.6 cm x 13.3 cm); 6.675" H (17 cm) on included custom stand; quality of silver: 89.5% to 93.15%; total weight: 220.2 grams

The tumi was sometimes used to sacrifice llamas to the sun god. The Paracas people, also from the Andes, used the tumi for human trepanation, thought to open the mind to religious enlightenment; it is unknown if the Inca conducted similar practices, but they may have done so. In modern Peru, a tumi on the wall is a symbol of good luck.

The iconography of the llama is significant, for the Inca did not have horses or cows, so llamas and other camelids such as alpacas, and vicunas, were invaluable for the cultures of the Andes. They provided the Inca with wool, food, and a way to transport goods. Although they were not worshiped, llamas were integral to their folklore and the Inca believed that llamas could talk.

For a similar example please see the Detroit Institute of Arts, accession number: 1994.13

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hirsch collection, Germany, between 1950 to 1970

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#164535

Condition

Old inventory labels on verso and written on the surface. Base of blade is restored along center edge. Areas of dark patina that adds nice toning. Llama head is in excellent condition. Lower part of blade has a surface wear.
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