This Moche copper tumi is finalized with a detailed couple in a symbolic erotic scene. One person is lying on top while the other rests on the bottom platform, facing each other. The lower crescent-shaped blade is flat and wide. Overall beautiful verdigris patination. Northwest, Peru 1 – 700 AD.
Measures 6.25″/16 cm. Custom stand will be made upon acquisition.
This piece is one of two being offered from a collection published in a large coffee table book called “Cobre del Antiguo Peru – The Copper of Ancient Peru”. Caption p. 520 “Moche. Ceremonial knife with cutting edge in the form of a half Moon and decorated on the upper part with a symbolic erotic scene showing one figure on top of another. Copper lost-wax technique. 16 X 10 cm.”
Private Collection acquired in ’70s.; Ex Villacreses Collection, Ca
Price: POR
This item has been featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Paracas Copper Short Spear. This extraordinary bi-point artifact is uniquely shaped and bears iconographic importance. It is produced from native copper, and the blade boasts mythical beings. Six geometrically stylized double-headed falcons grace each side of the blade.
This piece must have held great symbolic value and was made for someone of high importance. Its luster would have been bright and shimmered while being held from its cloth-wrapped center. Today, trapped from its isolated arid environment, a gorgeous green and blue-colored verdigris patina has been created and encases the artifact.
The Double-Headed Falcon is a significant motif in the Paracas civilization and is frequently found in their textiles, ceramics, and other artifacts. This symbol offers a deep insight into the society’s values and beliefs.
In Paracas culture, the double-headed falcon is seen as a symbol of power and authority. Birds of prey, such as falcons, are associated with strength, vision, and control, qualities likely revered by the Paracas elite. This motif may also have held spiritual and cosmological significance, reflecting the Paracas people’s rich spiritual life. The dual heads could symbolize various dualities within their belief system, such as life and death, the earthly and the celestial, or the physical and spiritual realms.
The role of the double-headed falcon in funerary practices further underscores its importance. Paracas textiles, which frequently feature this motif, were commonly used to wrap mummies, suggesting that the falcon might have been seen as a protective figure, guiding and safeguarding the deceased in the afterlife.
Artistically, the double-headed falcon is prominently featured in Paracas textiles, renowned for their complexity and vibrant colors. These textiles demonstrate Paracas artisans’ high level of skill and the importance of this motif in their art. The falcon also appears on Paracas ceramics, which are used in both daily life and ceremonial contexts, indicating its widespread cultural significance. Its iconography, characterized by its symmetrical form and geometric patterns, is striking and distinctive.
The significance of the double-headed falcon was revealed through archaeological excavations, particularly those conducted by Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello in the early 20th century. These excavations unearthed numerous textiles and artifacts adorned with this symbol, offering valuable insights into the Paracas civilization. While scholars have debated the exact meaning of the double-headed falcon, its recurrent appearance suggests it was a potent symbol. Some theories propose it represents shamanistic visions or experiences, while others see it as an emblem of political power.
Similar motifs are found in other ancient American cultures, indicating possible cultural exchanges or common symbolic themes. For instance, the double-headed bird motif is also present in the art of the Nazca, who succeeded the Paracas culture in the region.
In conclusion, the Paracas Double-Headed Falcon is a powerful and multifaceted symbol that played a crucial role in the Paracas civilization’s spiritual, artistic, and political life. Its presence in various art forms and its association with significant cultural practices highlight its importance and the sophisticated nature of Paracas society.
Note:
A non-invasive test using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence has been performed by Geotechnical Services, Inc., to analyze its composition accurately. Six locations were targeted to avoid cross-contamination. 99.849 Cu; 0.131 Fe; 0.018 Ni. The reading shown is from one spot, which yielded the highest trace elements. The conclusion is this is Native copper. Our research led us to believe this implement was sourced from the “Mina Perdida” Lost Mines in northern Peru. Native copper was used in the earliest pieces. Techniques were developed later to produce alloys through cultural evolution. From the manufacturing viewpoint, the artisan had superior skill and talent to create this desired shape and thickness. Cold hammering with some heat applied and not cast like commercialized “Tumis” (half-moon blades with handles) used in later cultures.
Also, QC Metallurgical, Inc. performed a semi-quantitative EDS analysis on the patina to determine its elemental composition. The surface material was copper chloride, naturally formed due to the arid climate and the close proximity to the ocean environment. Elemental composition: O K 19.15; AI K .58; Si K 1.07; Cl K 15.22; Fe K .70; Cu K 63.29.
All reports are available upon request.
This impressive blade stands out due to its unique shape, size, composition, and iconography.
Paracas/ Proto-Nazca culture, Peru c. 800 BC – 100 BC.
Length is 19.25”/48.89 cm.
Near choice condition.
Provenance: Ex-Oswalt collection, Scottsdale, AZ. Acquired 1970s
Price – $12,500.
A fine Inca hunchback urpus – aryballo. All black ceramic body. A complete human head over a wide-shouldered, hunchback individual. Sculpted low relief arms reaching out to the front on the upper chamber. Standard side strap handles mid-torso with a pointed bottom. He has a nicely defined face. A bob-style haircut and wears ears, nose, and neck jewelry. The vase opening also serves as his hat.
Measures 8.75″ /22.22 cm in height.
Condition: Rim-chip to the front area with no attempts to repair; otherwise, it is in Excellent Condition—earthen deposits throughout the surface.
Inca-Chimu, c. 1470 AD. Peru
Provenance: Ex J. Mathieu Estate, Hope, RI. Acquired 1970s
As with all ceramics from these periods, they met two functions: simple daily domestic use with less finishing or ceremonial vessels that showed higher aesthetic commitment.
Inca Portrait Head
Price – $1,480
Explore this exquisite Aztec stone figure of Toci. This finely sculpted votive piece captures Toci in an unusual standing position. The details of her intricate facial features are crisp and beautifully executed. Adorned with rosette-styled earplugs, surrounded by her long, simple, straight, parted coiffure. She also wears a traditional Aztec skirt garment and footwear. This ancient artifact shows the goddess tenderly embracing her life-giving abdomen and would have been placed on top of an altar. This stone offering is 5.5″ in height.
Condition is Choice.
Provenance: Ex – T. Tomaszek, Blackstone, MA. Acquired 1970’s
In the heart of the ancient Aztec civilization, the sun’s golden rays lit up the verdant landscapes, illuminating the revered deity known as Toci, the Grandmother Goddess. Her name, “Our Grandmother,” echoed through Aztec mythology, embodying profound reverence for her role as the protector and nurturer of all life.
The mists of time cloaked Toci’s origins, intertwining her existence with the very fabric of the Aztec cosmos. The Aztecs believed she emerged from the primordial waters, a fundamental force that gave birth to all creation. As the Grandmother Goddess, she presided over healing and childbirth, her gentle touch bringing solace to the sick and joy to expectant mothers.
In the Aztec pantheon, Toci held great importance. The Aztecs revered her as the patroness of midwives and healers, her wisdom and compassion guiding them in their sacred duties. Her image adorned temples and shrines throughout the Aztec empire, where people sought her blessings and protection.
Toci’s iconography symbolized her role richly. Artists often depicted her as an older woman with a mature face and long, flowing hair. She wore traditional Aztec garments and carried a staff or spindle, representing her connection to healing and childbirth.
In the Aztec belief system, Toci actively participated in the lives of her people. They believed she intervened in times of need, comforting the suffering and guiding the lost. People invoked her name in prayers and rituals and carried her image in processions to honor her divine power.
The Tecuilhuitontli, held in May, was one of the most important festivals dedicated to Toci. During this festival, people gathered in temples and homes to offer prayers and sacrifices to the Grandmother Goddess. They danced and sang in her honor, and midwives and healers performed rituals to invoke her blessings.
Toci’s influence extended beyond the physical realm. The Aztecs believed she guarded the dead, guiding the souls of the departed to the afterlife. They often placed her image in tombs and burial sites, testifying to her role as a protector and comforter in the face of death.
As the Aztec empire flourished, Toci’s cult grew in prominence. Her temples became centers of healing and spiritual guidance, and her priests and priestesses earned high respect for their knowledge and wisdom. However, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century posed a profound challenge to the Aztec civilization and its beliefs.
The Spanish missionaries sought to eradicate the indigenous religions of the Americas, including the worship of Toci. They destroyed her temples, defaced her images, and persecuted her priests. Yet, despite these attempts at suppression, Toci’s legacy lived on in the hearts of the Aztec people.
Toci’s cult went underground in the centuries that followed, but her spirit continued to endure. She became a symbol of resistance and cultural continuity, her image hidden in secret places and her stories passed down through generations.
Today, Toci’s legacy remains alive in the traditions and beliefs of the Nahuatl people, the descendants of the Aztecs. They revere her as a powerful and benevolent deity; they whisper her name with reverence, and her image still adorns homes and shrines.
In the modern world, Toci’s message of healing and compassion resonates with people from all walks of life. Many see her as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all living things, a reminder that we are all part of a more extensive web of existence.
As the sun sets on the ancient lands of the Aztecs, Toci’s spirit continues to shine brightly. She remains the Grandmother Goddess, the protector of the sick, the comforter of the grieving, and the guardian of the dead. Her legacy testifies to the enduring power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit.
Price – $12,800
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Price – $1245
Explore this exquisite Condorhuasi figure vessel, crafted from orange clay with a buff surface and applied paint. This ancient artifact showcases intricate facial features and body tattooing. Hooped arms to his side also suspend the vessel. Encapsulated during burial, a white layer deposit of calcium carbonate surrounds the figure’s surface.
This effigy vessel’s overall height is 7” and can be stood unassisted; however, a custom wooden platform has been provided for better stability.
The inner rim is chipped, as shown otherwise, and is in excellent overall condition.
The Condorhuasi culture, flourishing between 2000 BC and 500 AD in what is now northwestern Argentina, is renowned for its sophisticated ceramics and intricate stone artistry. The Condorhuasi people are believed to have had a deep connection with their environment and spiritual beliefs, often expressed through their pottery and stone artifacts.
Collectors and historians alike value Condorhuasi ceramics for their rarity and historical importance. Ensuring the preservation of such artifacts is vital for ongoing research and education about ancient South American cultures. With its calcium carbonate coating, this figure vessel remains in excellent overall condition, making it a prized addition to any collection of ancient artifacts.
Price – $795
This is a battle sling from the Inca culture c. 1400s. Made of braided Llama wool. The brown and tan colored center cradle/pouch has a slit to secure the stone projectile. These were very effective Inca weapons. When not in use, it was worn as a headband. Simultaneously, slings were also used for herding but generally made more colorful. Ceremonial dance huaracas are identifiable by their elaborate and complex braiding using multiple contrasting colors with no slit in its pouch.
Andean highlands, Peru. c. 1400 AD. Measures 65″ / 165. cm in length. Some natural degradation is evident in the fibers. Excellent condition. Mounted in an older antique style wood shadow box frame with a hinged lock door. Keys provided. The display case measures 17.75” x 12” x 2”.
Price – $600
An ornate pair of lime spoons with Sandpiper finials. These small spoons removed lime from specialized receptacles (caleros, poporus) as part of the coca chewing ritual. These tools resemble tupus, but their shaft is shorter, and they end in a small, convex spoon rather than a point. Special treatment was given to the spoon head. The casting would have been detailed, but after two millennia, it has been hidden under a gorgeous, rich, encrusted verdigris patina. North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 B.C. – 300 A.D.
Measures approx. 4″ and 3.5″. A wooden platform will accompany these pieces.
Price – $495
Finely made Valdivian Ceremonial Stone Axe. Symmetric and highly polished dark green stone. Custom display stand. Measures 6.25″ (16.87cm) tall. 7″ (17.78cm) mounted. Choice condition. Ecuador 4400-1450 B.C. These refined stone axes were symbolic and interred as payment to Mother Earth.
Professionally mounted and ready to display. Perfectly sized for an office desk.
A great interest in and desire for green stones developed during the Late Formative period. They were exotic in most areas and would have been sought in exchange over long distances as they became widespread in domestic and mortuary contexts. The dramatic growth in popularity of green stones also occurred at about the same time in Mesoamerica.
These objects are only known through archeological studies in northwest South America and have usually been described as” ceremonial axes.” However, the Museo Chileno of Precolumbian Art describes these as “Lithophones.”
Similar examples were published in Ancient Ecuador—Culture, Clay, and Creativity 3000-300 B.C. and appear at Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, Quito, Ecuador.
Price – $1,245
For your consideration, here is an excellent opportunity to acquire a rare pair of small Chancay clay figurines called “Cuchimilcos” or “Star Gazers.” These twins stand at 7.5″/19.05 cm and 7.3″/18.54 cm in height; they are made from fired clay and painted in cream, with brown paint detailing their features. Each figure is carefully crafted, with detailed facial features and open arms, possibly symbolizing a welcoming gesture or an offering posture. Decorated tunics, perhaps depicting pollywogs, adorn them, enhancing their cultural significance and artistic charm.
The Chancay culture, flourishing on the central coast of Peru between 1200 and 1450 AD, is renowned for its distinctive pottery and textiles. Again, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire an actual set of Cuchimilcos, which intrigue people because they often appear in pairs within Chancay tombs. They are remarkably preserved and offer a rare glimpse into the burial practices and beliefs of the Chancay people. Some scholars suggest that these figures served as symbolic companions for the deceased, possibly representing a female counterpart intended to accompany the individual into the afterlife.
The craftsmanship of these figures highlights the Chancay culture’s attention to detail and symbolic expression. The creamy white base with brown paint application is typical of Chancay pottery, which often features simple yet expressive designs. The depiction of the tunics with possible pollywog motifs might hint at themes of fertility, water, or rebirth, though the exact significance remains a topic of scholarly debate.
These Cuchimilcos are more than just decorative items; they are cultural artifacts that offer insight into the spiritual and everyday lives of the Chancay people. Their well-preserved condition, coupled with their historical significance, makes them a valuable addition to any collection of pre-Columbian art. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the field, this pair of Chancay figurines represents a unique and meaningful acquisition.
Condition: Completely intact pairs.
Provenance: Florida collection; W Tooley, Friendswood, TX
Price – $985