Taino Rhyolite Ceremonial Scepter w/ Cacique Figure

Lot 278a

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

Fine Antiquities, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Ethnographic Art by Artemis Gallery

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Ethno...

By Artemis Gallery

May 11, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-05-11 10:00:00 2023-05-11 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-pre-columbian-ethnographic-art-12771 Classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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Lot Description

**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Hispaniola, Greater Antilles Islands, Taino/ Arawak Indians, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. An exceptionally rare rhyolite ceremonial scepter depicting a cacique or deity with a haunting visage of large, sunken eyes, flared nostrils, and full lips. Seated with knees propped up and hands on legs, the figure is mostly nude yet also heavily adorned, exhibiting both a protruding phallus and a thick collar necklace with ornate shoulder pads, all crowned by an elaborately hand-carved headdress or skull protrusion of nested geometric and scrolling motifs. Two additional bands of spiraling patterns embellish the area below the figure. Deity figures were typically portrayed with erect phalli, as seen in this example, as they were associated with fertility. Size: 2.1" W x 21.5" H (5.3 cm x 54.6 cm)

Taino art is comprised of many cult objects associated with the worship of "zemis." The Zemi (or Cemi) stone, with its characteristic three cardinal points, is a fundamental symbol in the Taino religion. The Taino traditionally name the three points "Yocahu Bagua Maorocoti" -- another word 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: private Roberts collection, Gainesville, Florida, USA, acquired before 1990; ex-Dr. Robert Woodruff collection, Dominican Republic and Gainesville, Florida, USA, acquired in the Dominican Republic from the 1960s - 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.

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#178580

Condition

Some minor areas of pitting and abrasions, but otherwise intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail.
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