Pre-Columbian Artifacts for Seasoned and Inspired Collectors Alike
A very unique and important Bi-point Native Copper Blade with gorgeous verdigris
patina. Kuntur Wasi - Chavin, San Pablo Province Peru c.800 - 550 BC. Length is 19.25"/48.89
This impressive blade is like no other as to it's shape, size, composition and engraving.
The piece must have held great symbolic value and made for someone of wealth and
importance. The inscription or zoomorphic symbols are engraved in what appears to
be avian in style. Six double headed birds facing outwards are visible in consecutive
order on both sides. Kuntur Wasi in Quechua means temple or house of the condor.
In the Andes, the condor is the one who dominates and regarded as the guardian spirit
of the dead. Trace amounts of cotton cloth and strapping surrounding the center handle
The engraving is similar to those of Paracas but Kunturn Wasi has association of
Condition: Choice. Mounted on custom metal stand.
A Non-invasive test was performed using Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence to accurately
analyze it's composition. Six locations were targeted to avoid cross contamination.
99.849 Cu; 0.131 Fe; 0.018 Ni. The reading shown is from one spot which yielded
the highest trace elements. The conclusion is this is Native copper. Our research
has led us to believe that this implement was sourced out of the "Mina Perdida" Lost
Mines located in northern Peru. Native copper was used in the earliest pieces. Techniques
were developed later to produce alloys through cultural evolution. From the manufacturing
viewpoint, the artisan had superior skill and dexterity to produced this desired
shape and thickness. Cold hammering with some heat applied and not cast like commercialized
"Tumis" (half moon blades with handle) used in later cultures.