1983.W.1769 Knife (tumi) with human on the back of an animal (Peru, Inka)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Knives with a half-moon shape (tumi) are common in the ancient Andes. This wide blade and short handle form became popular by the Late Horizon (1400-1532 CE). While the knives were produced with metal alloys, examples with plating and gilding also exist for presumed ceremonial function. By the Late Horizon, tin bronze was promoted alongside the more common arsenical bronze; the tin provided not only more strength to the knives but also an original yellow-gold color.

This knife is decorated by elaborate zigzags down the shaft and a modeled human figure riding an animal, possibly a feline. Open loops on less decorative examples may have provided for suspension, presumably carried around the neck of a warrior.

Adapted from

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text [1983.W.1769; 1983.W.1770], 2015.

NOTES

Inka (Inca), Late Horizon, A.D. 1476-1534, updated by KJones in TMS on 01/03/14 and 03/31/16.
Updated medium, geography, and dates in TMS to reflect to reflect Inca label -- tin bronze, Perú: Andean highlands, 1400-1540.
TMS Worksheet unavailable for viewing (TMS, Related / Media - worksheet 1, document, .pdf) - have scanned drawing from worksheet (below).
Fun Facts Source: Junius B. Bird Report, 1/26/1976, p. 14, TMS, Notes / Text Entries, Attribution.

Catalogue essays

Artist/designers

Cultures

Inka (Inca)

Inka (Inca): AAT: 300017326

Inca horizon: AAT: 300017352

Geography

Andes (South America)

Inca Empire: TGN: 6002741

Peru (nation): TGN: 1000056

Process/materials

Inka (Inca) Metalwork

bronze: AAT: 300010957

casting (process): AAT: 300053104

casts (sculpture): AAT: 300047806

inlay (process): AAT: 300053850

inlays (decorations): AAT: 300256033

solder: AAT: 300010993

repoussé: AAT: 300054023

sheet metal: AAT: 300223016

annealing: AAT: 300053886

chasing (metalworking): AAT: 300054016

embossing (technique): AAT: 300053826

metalwork: AAT: 300015336

Historical periods

Late Horizon Period: AAT: 300017332

Individuals

Subject terms

ceremonial objects: AAT: 300234117

funerary objects: AAT: 300234126

knives (cutting tools / cutting equipment): AAT: 300024668

ceremonial knives (ceremonial weapons): AAT: 300253581

tumi knife (sacrificial or ceremonial axe / knife): DMA

figures (representations): 300189808

sitting (seated): AAT: 300263970

crouching: DMA

male: AAT: 300189559

animals: DMA

feline: DMA

zigzags (geometric patterns): AAT: 300165028

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

RELATED OBJECTS

PROVENANCE

Until 1976: Nora and John Wise, New York [1]

1976-1983: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, on long-term loan from the above [1], [2]

From 1983: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, the Nora and John Wise Collection, bequest of John Wise [1], [2]

[1] The main source for this provenance is existing information in TMS. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

AUDIO ASSETS

VIDEO ASSETS

IMAGE ASSETS

WEB RESOURCES

NBC News~Read about an archaeological discovery of burials in Ferreñafe, Peru that contained tumi knives.

ARCHIVAL RESOURCES

FUN FACTS

In his 1976 report, Junius B. Bird, curator emeritus of South American archaeology at the American Museum of Natural History, notes: "Inca. J13 Cast copper or bronze handle, a man on a feline finial; formerly inlaid."

TEACHING IDEAS

RULES

Apply to objects where number equals 1983.W.1769