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This intriguing stone sculpture is a zemi – the
physical incarnation of a Taino god, spirit or
ancestor. These were used by families and
centralized magico-religious institutions on a
village scale, in order to “…help women with
child…many which speak, and others that make
grow the things that they eat, and others that
bring rain, and others that make the wind blow”
(Arrom 1974: 26). Historical accounts by
Columbus, among others, also confirm a fertility
role for at least some of the pieces. Identifying
specific pieces with specific gods or spirits is not
always possible; the pantheon of gods is fairly
well established (based around Yucahu – the god
of cassava, the Taino staple crop – and his
mother Antabey, who is responsible for fertility
and water) but their physical appearances are
generally undefined. Zemis have been found in
various parts of the Caribbean, especially
Hispaniola and Jamaica.
Large-scale zemi figures in stone, wood and
shell were commissioned by Taino chieftains
(caciques) and stored in temple-like structures.
Smaller, amulet-like, versions such as this one
may have been owned by a wider section of
society. The detail of the carving however,
especially on the reverse, confirms that this was
a high status object with a talismanic function.
The zemi is depicted in a ritual squatting
position with his knees raised up towards his
chest and his feet pointing inwards at an
improbable angle. The position of the hands,
which clutch the thighs, also recalls the pose
adopted by Taino shamans during the cohoba
rituals. According to Taino beliefs, shamans were
able to communicate with the souls of deceased
ancestors when they entered into a trance-like
state induced by the hallucinogenic cohoba. The
facial features are skeletal, with circular sunken
orbits, snout-like nose and gaping mouth. The
incised geometric motifs across the bridge of the
nose and on the lower legs may well reflect the
design of tattoos or textiles worn by the Taino
elite. This fascinating object is desirable for its
aesthetic merits alone, but also offers is a unique
insight into the religious practices of the Taino.
(AM)
- (BF.041)
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