tumi inca

Peru is rightfully proud of its pre-Hispanic heritage. Images related to it appear in many of its modern handcrafts, and jewelry making is no exception. This necklace by Adriana de Gadea depicts an Inca warrior standing on the curved blade known as a tumi, and the shape is repeated on his helmet. The sun refers to Inti Raymi, their most important deity. Crafted of sterling silver, the pendant and chain are bathed in 18k gold.

Adriana de Gadea transforms the tumi, the ceremonial knife of the ancient Inca, Moche and Chimu cultures, into a necklace of extraordinary elegance. The sterling silver pendant is masterfully detailed and ends with chrysocolla on the rounded blade area.

.925 Sterling silver

Beautiful yet practical set of three cedar trays wrapped in fine leather. The leather's surface has been embossed with pre-Incaic motifs in both high and low relief. These trays fit nicely one inside of the other. Handcrafted by Abel Rios.

The Inca god Wiracocha stands proud in the firmament to crown a handsome jewelry chest. The original divinity of the people of Tiahuanaco, this god emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca. He created the heavens, the earth, and the first generation of giants who inhabited the land in total darkness. Wiracocha is honored in the Inti Raymi, meaning "Festival of the Sun," in Cuzco, symbolizing the eternal consecration between the sun and his children — human beings.

Julio Sanchez crafts the box by hand to imitate a chest with six drawers and an upper compartment with a mirror. It closes with a lock and key. Each side features images of the tumi, a ceremonial blade used in ancient Peru for spiritual sacrifices, crowned with the effigy of a warrior.