Ceremonial Knife (Tumi) c. 1000 - 1470

This is a ceremonial knife, or Tumi, made by the Chimú people of ancient Peru. The Chimú civilization thrived from around 900 to 1470 AD, a period defined by hierarchical social structures. This knife, likely crafted from copper, would have been employed in religious rituals and sacrifices by the Chimú elite. The blade's distinctive T-shape and the greenish patina suggest a life spent buried in the coastal soil of Peru. Archaeological finds like this, when viewed in conjunction with historical chronicles, reveal the social conditions and religious beliefs of past societies. This simple object is a powerful connection to the cultural history of South America.