December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Circa 1430-1530, Pre-Columbian. 20 copper trepanning brain surgery tools. Ancient societies, especially in South America, practiced skull trepanation surgical procedures. These methods were employed to combat hematomas and remove pieces of bone from skulls which were probably fractured during rituals, and fighting between warriors of different tribes or villages. This grouping was most likely archeologically recovered together, as it represents a wide range of tool used by the ancient brain surgeon. Present are tweezers, knives, bone chisels, and drills all of a diminutive size and design indicating they were used for precise work. From the famed Dr. Lattimer collection that has numerous items on display at the Metropolitan, National Portrait Gallery, and other noted universities and institutions. CONDITION: Typical mottled green ground action and oxidation as found on items recovered from Incan and Peruvian sites. BRM.