Knife

Item number Sf546 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

The crescent blade is attached to a cylindrical shaft with a handle that has two double-headed zoomorphic creatures in mirror image. The zoomorphics have an ear, a head crest rendered as a serpent and a large rounded claw on the foreleg. The interior detailing of claws and face appear on one side only.

History Of Use

Cast copper knives are numerous in earlier Moche and Vicus Styles (Jones). However, the half moon blade and long handle appear to be later traits, possibly Early Chimu. The crested animal is most closely associated with the highland Recuay Style but relationships to north coast styles have been noted by many authors (Lumbreras). This may be a ceremonial blade as such knives often appear in ceramic scenes of human sacrifice.

Narrative

Early Chimu ?, Middle Horizon, 700-1100 C.E.

Iconographic Meaning

The zoomorphic figure on the handle has several characteristics of the moon animal, including the crest and rounded claw. The moon animal has feline/canine characteristics. It occurs in Moche, Recuay and Vicus art. The associations of this creature are lunar or astral.