Knife

Item number Sf536 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

Data
Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

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.