Knife, 8th-10th century
Lambayequeexpand_more
Bronzeexpand_more
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John R. Kennedyexpand_more 99.57.14
Not on Viewexpand_more
A tumi is a knife with a flared, semicircular blade that was used in ceremonies throughout the ancient Andes. Lambayeque artists working in northwest Peru made especially dramatic and opulent examples for elite members of society. Lambayeque metalworkers were technologically advanced; they developed a unique type of bronze by alloying copper and arsenic, from which this blade was cast. Originally, this tumi was likely capped by an elaborate finial depicting an important Lambayeque deity, known as the Sicán Lord, executed in materials such as gold, silver, and turquoise
Details
- Title
- Knife
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 99.57.14
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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