Pre-Columbian, Caribbean, Taino, ca. 1100 to 1558 CE. A mesmerizing bird Zemi figure carved from a single piece of deep black basalt stone with meticulously pecked and incised imagery - the avian presenting with large circular eyes, a long beak, elegant wings adorned with concentric circles and striations, concentric circles over the chest, and upraised legs. Birds were believed to be helpers for the shaman and shaman priests. Overall, a mesmerizing piece with an impressive aesthetic and spiritual presence that is among the various cult objects associated with the worship of "zemis" - deities, ancestors, or earth spirits revered by the Taino culture. Size: 4.125" L x 3.25" W x 8.5" H (10.5 cm x 8.3 cm x 21.6 cm)
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 lower 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 Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
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#145809
Condition
Repair across the right proper side of the face, beak, upper wing, and section behind it. Expected surface wear with nicks, chips, scuffs, and abrasions as shown. Nice pecking marks in recessed areas.