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Taino culture flourished in the Caribbean
between c.1200-1500. The arrival of the Spanish
in 1492 resulted in its rapid decline but objects
such as this striking trigonolitos, also known as a
three-pointer, testify to high levels of
craftsmanship. The Taino left no written
language so our knowledge about them derives
solely from archaeology and the testimonials of
the Spanish settlers. As a result, although
significant numbers of three-pointers survive,
their precise function within Taino society is
unclear. The central cone of these triangular
objects has been interpreted in a variety of ways.
Suggestions include manioc shoots (one of the
main crops of the Taino), volcanoes, the roofs of
Taino houses, phalluses and the human breast.
None of these theories has been universally
accepted and the precise origins of the shape are
likely to remain a mystery. Despite this many
scholars agree that these ceremonial objects
were symbols of power and fertility. This seems
to be supported by a letter written by Columbus
in which he reports on his findings among the
Taino, ‘Equally the majority of caciques (chiefs)
have three stones to which they and their people
have great devotion. One they say is for the
fertility of the grain and vegetables that they
grow; the next for mothers to give birth without
pain, and the third for the water and sun when
they have need.’
This striking example features a stylized
anthropomorphic face that has many skull-like
features. Carved from a dense, hard grey stone,
the eye sockets are deep and circular. The most
dramatic element is the wide grimacing mouth,
which dominates the face, whether viewed from
above or in profile. A thick band runs across the
top of the forehead, which may represent part of
a ritual headdress. The Taino people were
polytheistic and also had a long tradition of
ancestor worship. Three-pointer stones such as
this one belong to a broader category of Taino
art called zemis. This term refers to the physical
incarnation of a Taino god, spirit or ancestor.
Whilst the precise function of such objects may
well remain a mystery- they continue to impress
us with their bold abstract form and magical
associations. (AM)
- (LO.1316)
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