Lambayeque (Sicán) tumis or ceremonial knives

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Written By AQ

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

Ceremonial knives

Learn what a tumi (ceremonial knife) is in the ancient Andes, looking in detail at Sicán (Lambayeque) examples in gold, silver, and turquoise. We discuss the purpose of a tumi and one of the most consistent subjects depicted on the handles of these knives.

Tumi (knife), Lambayeque (Sicán), 900–1100 CE, arsenical copper. Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, D.C. Photo © Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

Video chapters

0:00 What is a tumi and Lambayeque culture

1:00 The function of a tumi knife

1:54 The Sicán Lord

2:49 Materials

3:39 Power

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