Peruvian Ceremonial Knife in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2018

Ceremonial Knife (Tumi)

Date: 10th–12th century

Geography: Peru, North Coast

Culture: Lambayeque (Sicán)

Medium: Gold, silver, turquoise

Dimensions: H. 14 1/4 × W. 6 1/4 × D. 1 5/8 in. (36.2 × 15.9 × 4.1 cm)

Classification: Metal-Implements

Credit Line: Gift and Bequest of Alice K. Bache, 1974, 1977

Accession Number: 1974.271.60


Around A.D. 1000, high-status tombs were constructed at Batán Grande, a site now called the Sicán Archaeological Precinct, where a single burial could include as many as five masks: one attached to the head and the others stacked at the feet. The shape of the eyes is characteristic of the Sicán deity, also shown atop the ceremonial knife (tumi).

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/309982