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This Taino three-pointer or ‘trigonolitos’ is
incredibly rare and unusual in terms of its
design. These triangular carved stones were
unique to the people of the Caribbean, and have
a long history that predates the Taino
efflorescence, c. 1200-1500. Plain, undecorated
examples have been dated as early as c.400-200
BC. ‘Taino’ is the term applied to a group of
agricultural communities, ruled by hereditary
chieftains (caciques). Culturally they were the
most sophisticated people of the Caribbean until
their way of life was tragically destroyed by the
Spanish settlers at the end of the fifteenth
century. Although they left no written records, a
wide range of physical artifacts survive and
testify to extremely high standards of
craftsmanship. These skills were utilized in the
service of religion and images of Taino gods and
spirits (zemis) were carved in wood, shell, bone
and stone. The majority of the three-pointers
depict a skull-like face or a recognizably
zoomorphic form. In contrast this example is far
more abstract and iconographically intriguing.
The artist was clearly spellbound by his/her
material, and the dark green stone, flecked with
black, has been highly polished. The majority of
the surface is unadorned but a deeply carved
geometric motif enlivens one side. The surface of
the stone within this design has been
deliberately left with a coarser surface, resulting
in an effective contrast of textures. The almost
clover-shaped motif may well represent a
stylized animal, especially when viewed in
conjunction with the lightly incised oval above.
This forms part of a band of geometric motifs
that runs around the top part of the central
point. The symbolism of this cone shape has
been hotly debated, with suggestions ranging
from the manioc shoot (the main Taino crop) to
the human breast. Some association with power
and/or fertility seems likely and is confirmed by
the testimony of Columbus himself, ‘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.’ Although
their precise function remains a mystery, these
ritual objects still astound us with their abstract
form and bold design. The rarity of this
particular motif will be of especial interest to any
serious collector in this fascinating field. (AM)
- (LO.1320)
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