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Pre-Columbian Art :
Art of the Dominican Republic : Taino Zemi Sculpture
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Taino Zemi Sculpture - BF.003
Origin: Dominican Republic
Circa: 1200
AD
to 1500
AD
Dimensions:
3.1" (7.9cm) high
x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Stone
£1,800.00
Location: Great Britain
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Photo Gallery |
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Description |
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.
Miniature, 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 bent and inward facing.
The position of the hands, with the fingers
pointing vertically downwards above the knees,
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, triangular
nose and gaping mouth. On the reverse, the
ribcage and spine are indicated, as are the feet
which have been tucked beneath the body. A
symmetrical design of incised triangles adorns
the back of the head. Similar geometric motifs
are a recurring feature in Taino art and must
have had some cosmological significance for
their original audience. This is superbly crafted
piece that offers a fascinating insight into the
religious life of the Taino. (AM)
- (BF.003)
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