Mama Killa Hair-Dagger

Mama Killa, translating to "Mother Moon" was a lunar deity worshiped by the Inca civilization of the Andes in South America. 

She is regarded as the personification of the Moon and is primarily connected with the measurement of time and the regulation of the calendar. The lunar cycle governed religious festivals, agricultural activities, and ceremonial observances throughout the Inca Empire. Priests and officials observed her phases to determine ritual dates and seasonal transitions. She was also associated with marriage, menstruation, and women’s social roles, and women often directed prayers or offerings toward her in matters concerning domestic and familial life

A walk through the art:

The silver finish: In Inca religion, Mama Killa was symbolically and materially associated with silver. The Inca viewed precious metals as physical manifestations of celestial bodies rather than as currency or wealth in the European sense. Gold was understood as the “sweat of the Sun,” connected to Inti, while silver was regarded as the “tears of the Moon,” linking it directly to Mama Killa. This association reflected the visual similarity between silver’s pale reflective surface and moonlight. This design will only be available in silver to honor this. 

The Silver Disc: Comprising the pommel and on the end of each handle arethe silhouettes of the silver disc. In Inca religion, Mama Killa was represented in temples through sacred objects rather than anthropomorphic statues. One of the primary symbolic representations associated with her was a large silver disc. The disc served as a material embodiment of the Moon, reflecting light in a manner meant to mirror lunar brightness and celestial presence within ritual space. 

The Sun and The Moon: The Sun and Moon represent Mama Killa and Inti as a pair. Together they are the primary lunar and solar deities of Inca cosmology. While Mama Killa embodies the Moon and the lunar cycle, Inti embodies the Sun and daylight. Together, they represent the complementary forces governing time, seasonal order, and cosmic balance.

The Chakana: Also known as the Andean Cross or Incam Cross, the Chakana is a sacred Andean symbol. It originates from the cosmology of the Indigenous peoples of the Andes, particularly the civilization of the Inca Empire.

The Chakana is a stepped cross composed of equal arms extending in four directions, usually featuring a central hole or circle. It represents the structure of the universe according to Andean worldview and serves as a symbolic map connecting spiritual, natural, and human realms.

The Lunar Phase: Appearing twice on the design, one across the silver disc and one down the blade, the visible changes of the moon were understood as the observable expression of Mama Killa's presence in the sky. Each phase (new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon) formed the basis of the Inca lunar calendar. These cycles were used to measure months, structure ritual observances, and coordinate agricultural timing across the empire.

Time: Three sundials are nestled amongst the moon phase down the blade. One mirrors each side of the moon phase and a third sundialncreates the full moon in the center. Symbolizing Mama Killa's connection to, and domain over, the passing of time. 

Materials: Silver Finish: steel and zinc. Nickel, tin, lead free.

Dimensions: Measures six (6) inches long

Uses: while it is designed to be a hair-stick, hair-sword, or hair-dagger, it can also be used as an athame, altar decor, letter opener, bookmark, decor for a potted plant, a prop for an art doll, or tucked into a belt, thigh garter, or hat band. I'm sure there are even more ways to slay.