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THBExhibited Taino Wood Zemi Cohoba Stand, C-14 Tested
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveNov 10, 2022
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Nautical, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
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- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Hispaniola, Greater Antilles Islands, Taino/ Arawak Indians, ca. 15th to early 16th century CE. Incredible! An exemplary wood zemi figure that served as both a vehicle and a symbol of Taino hallucinogenic transformation. A ceremonial stand for a vegetal entheogen known as cohoba - traces of which still present! Perhaps intended to represent the effects of cohoba, the figure is emaciated with a prominent arched spine as though fasting and displays a drug-induced countenance of gritting teeth and huge, open eyes, as if swelling with tears from the process of inhalation. He squats atop an annular plinth with hands on knees, which flank his erect phallus. His sizable ears are pierced with annular drill holes, perhaps for suspending lavish ornaments of plumage and seashells, while a discoid platter balances on his head, acting as a surface on which ground up hallucinogenic powder or paste would have been inhaled by ceremonial participants. Size: 7.5" W x 17.9" H (19 cm x 45.5 cm)
Hand-carved from guayacan wood, the figure was once inlaid with shell or gold leaf, as indicated in the variations in color around the mouth.
Taino art is comprised of many cult objects associated with the worship of "zemis." The term zemi refers to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits. Zemis like this example are believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. Owners of zemi figures traditionally honored them with offerings of food or precious gifts. Each Zemi had its own identity and name, personality, distinct characteristics, and powers.
This piece was exhibited in the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville, Arkansas from February 1st, 2017 to 2019 as part of the "Coming to America - The Taino" exhibit. Additionally, the piece was published in "The creative genius of the first Americans – Bentonville’s Museum of Native American History houses world-class collection" by Jenny Boulden in Arkansas Living Magazine on March 1, 2017, "Essex Collection of Fine Taino Artifacts Now on Exhibit at MOHAH" by Jill Rohrbach on Arkansas the Natural State's website in February 2017, and "The Creativity of the Taino People" by Vanessa Schmitz-Grucker in La Gazette Drouot on June 30th, 2022.
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1979.206.380.
This piece has been tested using radiocarbon dating (C-14) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private J. Hart Collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired mid-1970's; exhibited at the Museum of Native American History, Bentonville, Arkansas, USA, February 1st, 2017 to 2019; ex-R. Harrison "Essex Collection"; ex-Wilfred Belmar collection, Dominican Republic, 1930s-1940s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#174558Chip to periphery of plinth. Some nicks and abrasions to periphery of dish and risen areas. Natural fissures to wood due to age. Otherwise, intact with lovely patina and earthen deposits. Liberal traces of cohoba on top. C-14 holes on periphery of plinth and dish.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Artemis Gallery will no longer be able to offer in-house shipping for most international orders, as well as all oversized orders, including most paintings. These items are clearly marked in the listing as “3rd Party Shipping Required” in the listing. We have a list of recommended third party shippers to assist you in shipping to and from, and would be happy to assist you in working with them. We require a written authorization from the client to release property to any third party. You may fax a Shipping Release Form to 303-828-3235 or email your authorization to kristen@artemisgallery.com. Please note the all property must be removed from our premises within seven (7) business days following the last day of the auction.
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