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Moche Tumi Topped by an Animal Effigy

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,400.00 USD
Moche Tumi Topped by an Animal Effigy
<B><I>Tumi</B></I> Topped by an Animal Effigy</B></I><BR>Moche<BR>A.D. 100 - 600<BR>Copper, turquoise or chrysacola<BR>Height 5 7/8 in. Width 1 1/4 in.<BR><BR>Miniature cast copper effigies and scenes are one of the outstanding accomplishments of Moche artist-craftsmen. One favored context for these castings was at the top of small-sized examples of the type of chopping knife known as a <I>tumi.</B></I> In this one an unexpected conjunction of animal and activity occurs: a square-headed, snarling feline is show performing the burden-carrying function of a llama: eight minute sealed vessels are stacked, four to a side, on the animal's back. Green stone inlays (either turquoise or chrysacola) pick up details of the head and form a decorative band around the rectangular base on which the animal stands. A somewhat crusty green age patination covers the entire surface.<BR><BR>Provenance<BR>Splendors of the World, Haiku, Hawaii<BR><BR>