This small-scale trigonolitos, or three-pointer,
represents a popular art form among the Taino.
This culture flourished in the Caribbean between
c.1200-1500, before the Spanish conquest
disrupted its existence. The precise function of
these triangular objects is unknown although it is
clear that they were used for ceremonial
purposes. Although the Caribbean islands had
been populated for centuries before the Taino
heyday, a new level of political organisation was
achieved during this period. Three-pointers,
along with stone collars and elbow stones, were
owned by the caciques or chieftains as symbols
of their power. 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.’
- (CK.0498b)
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