Knife Item Number: Sf536 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A flaring blade with a slightly curved edge is surmounted by a humanoid head with looped ears and shell inlays on a simple helmet. Tiny arms jut out in front and the hands hold a shallow bowl at chin level. Two loop ears, one of which is bent flat against the head. One shell inlay on helmet is missing. Triangular indentations for three inlays on the back of the head are empty. The eyes and the mouth may also have held inlays. There is a deep hole under the back edge of the helmet.
History Of Use
This may be a ceremonial blade as ones of similar shape are frequently shown in Moche ceramic portrayals of human decapitation (Moser). The technique of casting and shell inlay is common in Vicus metal work like axes and maces. Knives of similar shape with modelled handles were excavated at the site of Vicus (Disselhoff).
Narrative
Vicus/Moche, contemporary with Moche 1 and 2, 0-200 C.E.
Iconographic Meaning
The figure holding the cup may belong to a series of images which together are called the presentation theme. A painted wall in the temple of the moon at Moche has a fully realized version of the presentation theme.
Item History
What
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Creation Date
- during 200
- Collection Date
- between 1949 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before May 4, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on May 4, 1981
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0711/0039