Pre-Columbian, Caribbean / Florida, Arawak People, Taino, ca. 1100 to 1558 CE. An intriguing pendant, hand-carved from a mottled greenstone, depicting a stylized figure of an abstract form. The being represents a deity with string cut and drilled details. The body is triangular, tapering to pointed legs. A navel cavity is drilled into the center of the angular body. Above a string cut line is the oversized head. The visage is comprised of shallow linear grooves to create the mouth and brow. The nostrils are circular cavities, as are the wide eyes. Atop the head is a piercing for suspension. The verso is uncarved, and the stone displays mottled green and brown hues. The figure represents a zemi, or ancestral deity spirit revered by Taino culture. Size: 4.3" L x 2" W (10.9 cm x 5.1 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
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.
#147136
Condition
Surface abrasions and chips otherwise intact. Light mineral and earthen deposits within recessed areas.