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THBRare & Important Taino Stone Figure - Seated Zemi
Lot 53
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
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
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$18,000 - $25,000
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Oct 3, 2019
Set Reminder
2019-10-03 10:00:00
2019-10-03 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Day 2: Pre-Columbian & Tribal Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-day-2-pre-columbian-tribal-art-4453
Day 2 of an important 2-day auction featuring exceptional, museum-worthy examples of Pre-Columbian from the ancient Americas, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial and fossils. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Day 2 of an important 2-day auction featuring exceptional, museum-worthy examples of Pre-Columbian from the ancient Americas, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial and fossils. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (300)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Hispaniola, Greater Antilles Islands, Taino/Arawak Indians, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A stunning and exceedingly rare depiction of a zemi figure in a seated position with a dramatic forward lean and a prominent hunch on the back. The figure presents with delineated ribs indicative of emaciation, thin legs extended from circular hips, and slender arms resting atop the thighs with hands meeting just above the touching feet; two frontal sets of vertical striations indicate the fingers and toes. The expressive visage is composed of recessed hemispherical eyes, a slender nose with flared nostrils, a gaping mouth, and incised geometric motifs lining the top and sides of the head. The importance of this piece stems from its fully formed body. Many zemi are depicted as three-pointed idols (known as trigonoliths), and this sculpture has clear figurative definition and a dynamic presentation. A fabulous figurative example from the ancient Taino! Size: 7.375" L x 3.8" W x 6.5" H (18.7 cm x 9.7 cm x 16.5 cm).
Taino art is comprised of many religious objects associated with the worship of "zemis" - a term referring to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits believed to be inhabited by powerful forces or other spirits. Owners of carved zemi figures traditionally honored them with offerings of food or precious gifts; offerings to this example would have been placed on the triangular 'lap' of this figure. Each Zemi had its own identity and name, personality, distinct characteristics, and powers.
For another example of an upright, seated stone zemi figure of a smaller size, please see: Roberts, Larry. "Taino Sculpture: Art of the Gods." Signature Book Printing, Florida, 2014, p. 126, fig. 329.
Provenance: private J. Hart collection, Poway, California, USA, acquired in the mid-1970s; ex-David Menzel collection, acquired in the 1960s
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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#148860Minor nicks and abrasions to legs, arms, head, and body, with softening to some finer details, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and near-choice. Light earthen deposits throughout and nice patina throughout.Condition
- Shipping Info
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