Taino Greenstone Shaman or Zemi Figure

About Auction

Live

Fine Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

Apr 8, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-04-08 10:00:00 2021-04-08 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-6770
Features classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fine Art, so much more! All legally acquired, legal to sell. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (327)

• Lot Description
  Pre-Columbian, Caribbean/Florida, Arawak People, Taino, ca. 15th century CE. A fascinating stone carving of a stylized, seated figure, shown nude, except for a headband and large earspools. Highly abstract and minimalistic in form, the ancient figure displays attenuated arms extending from shoulders above his head and bent at the elbows to rest on his legs as his intricately incised hands fold over his equally detailed toes, all flanking a petite phallus. His back is divided in half by a protruding spine between two rows of horizontal lines, representing back bones, which emphasize his hunched-over position. His posterior shows a prominent tailbone and recessed buttocks. Looking upwards, as though gazing at the stars, the intriguing character's haunting visage exhibits sizable, sunken eyes above a broad nose, and straight mouth held open, as though he is gritting his teeth or lost in a transcendental mode of being. Size: 6" L x 4" W x 6.625" H (15.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 16.8 cm)
  
  The intriguing figure's squatting position and trance-like expression suggest he may be a shaman who were thought to have the ability to communicate with the souls of the dead when transported into a hallucinogenic state through the inhalation of cohoba. Alternatively, the figure may be a traditional Taino representation of a god, spirit, or ancestor, known as a zemi. His skeletal appearance, circular, sunken eyes, and gaping mouth would support this hypothesis.
  
  The Zemi (or Cemi) stone, with its characteristic three cardinal points, is a fundamental symbol in the Taino religion. Tainos traditionally name the three points "Yocahu Bagua Maorocoti" - another name for the Creator, Yaya. Zemis like this example are believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. The uppermost point represents the top of this sacred mountain peak, in the turey (sky) of the four directions, where Yaya - the Creator, whose name means that which has neither beginning nor end and which has no male ancestor or creator - resides. The 'chin' point represents Coabey, the underworld or place of the dead. Here Hupia, the spirit of the dead, resides, and the face of Guayaba, the Chief of Coabey, is represented. Finally, the opposite point represents the land of the living where Goiz, the spirit of living people, resides.
  
  Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000
  
  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.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #162054

  Condition

  Collection label on base. Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely earthen deposits in recessed areas.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 26.50 %