Name/Title
Trepanning knifeDescription
This is a precolumbian cast bronze Huari tumi knife from the South Coast of Peru (700-1000) which is the area of the Inca empire noted for the use of trepanning. A tumi knife was used in surgical procedures as well as during ceremonial occasions to remove "evil spirits." This example is actually a rattle with three small beads located in the tube between the two dragon heads. One could imagine that the carving on the blade represents evil spirits being removed through the mouth of an Inca chief.Condition
Overall Condition
GoodDate Examined
Jul 5, 2026Create Date
July 5, 2026Update Date
August 31, 2026