Inca Bronze Jaguar Tumi
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this
Inca Jaguar Tumi
This Inca bronze Jaguar tumi represents a remarkable example of ancient ceremonial artistry. The tumi features a short, thick handle designed for a firm grip, reflecting its functional use in ritual practices. The blade, an oval-shaped half-moon, is a rarer design among such artifacts and is gilded, enhancing its visual appeal and signifying its ceremonial importance. The gilding would have made the tumi an object of great value, likely used in significant rituals or as a symbol of power and authority within Inca society.
Atop the handle is a finely detailed jaguar finial, a potent symbol in Inca culture, representing strength, courage, and connection to the divine. The artist depicted the jaguar lying on a rectangular platform, its mouth open with teeth exposed, ready to defend or attack, echoing the animal’s revered status. The craftsmanship is evident in the well-formed eyes, ears, and spots, each carefully rendered to capture the essence of this majestic creature. The attention to detail in the jaguar’s features, from its piercing eyes to the intricate pattern of its spots, showcases the skill of the artisan who crafted this piece.
While compact at 3.25 inches, this tumi is a powerful representation of Inca iconography and metallurgical skill. The accompanying custom-made stand, bringing the total height to 3.75 inches, allows the piece to be displayed securely, highlighting its artistic and historical significance.
The tumi would make an exceptional addition to any collection of pre-Columbian art or ceremonial artifacts, offering a tangible connection to the rich cultural traditions of the Inca civilization.
Condition is Choice. Peru c. 1350-1500 AD.
Provenance: Ex Private New York collection, NY
A similar example is housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 64.228.242; the “1874 German Bilder Atlas” and in “Cobre Del Antiguo Peru.”
Price – $5,250
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases