Knife Item Number: Sf547 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A finely worked half-moon blade with a cylindrical shaft. The handle end is modelled as a bi-valve shell covered with scales. Just below the shell, there is a hole through the shaft.
History Of Use
Cast copper knives are numerous in the earlier Moche and Vicus Styles. The half moon blade and long handle appear to be later traits, possibly early Chimu or Lambayeque style. The presence of spondylus shell in highland contexts from the Early Horizon onwards testifies to a well-developed trade network as it derives from ecudorian waters.
Iconographic Meaning
The shell on the handle is spondylus or thorny oyster. It is frequently represented in Peruvian art from the Chavin Period onwards. It is used for inlays, beads and grave offerings as well.
Narrative
Early Chimu or Lambayeque Style ? Middle Horizon; 700-1000 C.E.
Item History
What
- Name
- Knife
- Identification Number
- Sf547
- Type of Item
- knife
- Material
- copper metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast, soldered and hammered
- Overall
- height 1.1 cm, width 4.8 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Creation Date
- between 700 and 1000
- 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
- 0711/0050