Product Details

Pre-Columbian Moche Copper Tumi – Seated Coca Chewer North Coast of Peru, ca. 200–700 CE Exceptional cast copper tumi featuring the classic crescent-shaped blade surmounted by a finely modeled seated figure chewing coca, an important ritual and social practice in ancient Moche culture. The figure sits in a contemplative pose with one hand raised to the mouth and wears large earspools and a rounded headdress. A small openwork platform separates the figure from the blade. The surface displays an attractive ancient green malachite patina with areas of earthen encrustation consistent with centuries of burial. Tumis were ceremonial objects and remain among the most iconic forms of Pre-Columbian Andean metalwork. Size: 4 3/4” x 4 1/2” Provenance: Ex. Scollard Auctions, California. Acquired from a Private California Collection.