
Description
Pre-Columbian, Peru, ca. 600 to 1400 CE, Moche, Wari, Chimu or Inca. A copper chisel or adze with a flared cutting edge and a hollow hafting socket at the base for mounting onto a wooden handle. The surfaces preserve extensive remains of textile wrapping embedded within the corrosion layers - likely evidence of its placement within a funerary bundle, as ancient Peruvian elites were interred with tools and offerings wrapped in multiple layers of precious cloth. The tool retains a rich green patina from long burial, with the woven impressions of the textiles still clearly visible across much of the body. Size: 5.5" L x 1.75" W (14 cm x 4.4 cm)
Socketed chisels were most commonly used by the Inca in the 15th to 16th centuries. Such tools were used on monumental walls such as those found at Sacsayhuam?n and Ollantaytambo. These walls were built with such precision that it is impossible to slide a credit card between them in virtually any location of the stone joins.
Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000
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.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#199237
Socketed chisels were most commonly used by the Inca in the 15th to 16th centuries. Such tools were used on monumental walls such as those found at Sacsayhuam?n and Ollantaytambo. These walls were built with such precision that it is impossible to slide a credit card between them in virtually any location of the stone joins.
Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000
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.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#199237
Condition
Remains of textile wrapping embedded on the surface as shown. Green patina throughout and minor chip to blade, otherwise intact.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Peruvian Socketed Copper Chisel With Textile Remains
Estimate $600-$900
Starting Price
$300
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$400
$500
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Native American | Ethnographic | Ancient Art
Feb 13, 2026 10:00 AM ESTLouisville, CO, United States
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