Wide-Blade Knife with Two Seated Figures on Top Possibly 1440 - 1540

This wide-blade knife with two seated figures was created by an Inca artist. The Incas emerged in the Andean region in the 15th century, and their empire was built on sophisticated infrastructure and agricultural systems. Metal objects were not just functional, they held symbolic value, often reflecting social status, religious beliefs, and political power. The figures perched above the blade may represent ancestors, deities, or individuals of high status, reinforcing a connection between earthly and spiritual realms. Consider the knife's role in daily life and ritual practices. How might it have been used in agricultural tasks, ceremonies, or even warfare? The figures above evoke a sense of intimacy and perhaps mutual support. This could reflect the communal values of Inca society or symbolize a deeper connection to the land and its resources. The patina of age and the wear of the blade tell a story of human interaction, of hands that held it and the purposes it served. This knife invites us to reflect on the relationship between utility and symbolism, between the tangible and the spiritual, in Inca society.