**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A hammered copper knife blade called a "tumi" with a flared blade edge, a narrow rectangular body, angular shoulders, and a thick tubular tang. The knife is surmounted by an abstract perched avian figurine with folded wings, nubbin feet projecting in front of its body, a squat neck, an ovoid beak, almond eyes, and a three-lobed crest. Both blade and bird are covered in thick, ancient layers of green and russet patina. Custom lucite display stand included. Size: 0.625" W x 6.625" H (1.6 cm x 16.8 cm); 8.875" H (22.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, New York, USA

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#136814

Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, chipping to patina in some areas, fading to some finer details on avian finial, and light roughness across most surfaces. Light earthen deposits and fabulous green and russet patina throughout. Old inventory number written in black ink on verso of blade tip.