Extremely Rare Taino Wood Seated Figure

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Fine Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

Aug 26, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-08-26 10:00:00 2021-08-26 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-art-7366
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• Lot Description
  Pre-Columbian, Caribbean/Florida, Arawak People, Taino, ca. 15th century CE. An impressive hand-carved wood figure of an abstract male seated on a ring-form plinth with his legs drawn up and his hands on his knees. Shown nude save for a pair of arm bands, the fascinating figure exhibits a slender body with a narrow waist, lengthy limbs, and a huge head capped with a hemispherical headdress. His expressive visage displays giant, sunken eyes, a broad nose, and a sizeable mouth held open to show gritting teeth, all flanked by a pair of projecting, rectangular ears. His emaciated state is especially evident on his verso, where one can clearly see his spine and rib cage. This example is remarkable condition given the hot and humid climate of the Caribbean. Size: 4.25" W x 14.25" H (10.8 cm x 36.2 cm)
  
  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. These intriguing figures were also used for stands, reliquaries, and personal adornment, with many serving as implements in ceremonies involving a vegetal entheogen known as cohoba - a hallucinogenic powder or paste that was inhaled through snuff tubes. One can see the effects of cohoba on this zemi: the emaciated look may represent someone who had been fasting, and the sunken eyes and gritting teeth may indicate that he is in a drug-induced state.
  
  This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
  
  Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, acquired 1950 through 1980, thence to current owner by inheritance
  
  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.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #165408

  Condition

  Small areas of loss to proper left top of head and proper right verso of head. Minor chipping to base. Expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, excellent with rich earthen deposits.
• Shipping Info

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