Taino Stone Zemi - Remarkable Form

Lot 144

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686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
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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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Ancient | Near-Eastern | Asian Art by Artemis Gallery

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Ancient | Near-Eastern | Asian Art

By Artemis Gallery

Jul 1, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-07-01 10:00:00 2020-07-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Ancient | Near-Eastern | Asian Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/ancient-near-eastern-asian-art-5276 Ancient art from Egypt, Greece, Italy and the Near East, as well as Asian, Fossils, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal / Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian Icons, Fine art, much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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Lot Description

Pre-Columbian, Hispaniola, Greater Antilles Islands, Taino/Arawak Indians, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. Among the only items specifically referenced by Spanish chroniclers of the 15th century, a quintessential example of a three pointer stone with a large conically formed central raised point, the Zemi figure face with meticulously pecked and incised skeletal features - those round deep-socketed eyes, that prominent nasal cavity, a wide open mouth, incised headband, and double-lobed ears. On the opposite point is additional figurative carving perhaps representing Goiz, the spirit of living people. See more about the symbolism of Zemi iconography below. Size: 7.5" W x 5.7" H (19 cm x 14.5 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. 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 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. See another three-pointer example is shown in fig. 29a, p. 117 in "The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus", (Irving Rouse, 1992).

Provenance: private Northern California, USA collection; ex Joe Gerina collection, New York, USA

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#153374

Condition

Intact, with light wear on surface commensurate with age including a few minor chips and scratches. Form is beautifully preserved.
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