Ceremonial Knife (Tumi)

1100–1470

Naymlap, the heroic founder-colonizer of the Lambayque Valley on the north coast of Peru, is thought to be the legendary figure represented on the top of this striking gold tumi (ceremonial knife). It would have been carried by a dynastic ruler during state ceremonies to represent, in a more precious form, the copper knives used for animal sacrifices.

Public domain · CC0
Free to download and reuse. Image courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist

Chimú Lambayeque Valley, north coast, Peru

Date

1100–1470

Medium

Gold with turquoise inlay

Dimensions

34 × 12.7 cm (13 3/8 × 5 in.)

Origin

Lambayeque Valley

Collection

Art Institute of Chicago

Credit

Ada Turnbull Hertle Endowment