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 3-pointed stone, known as a "trigonolith" in English and "trigonolito" in Spanish, presenting the form of a transformation figure. The fascinating sculpture exhibits a characteristically abstract visage, displaying huge, annular eyes, delineated nostrils, and a straight mouth, all below a crest-like coiffure. The retracted legs on the verso seem to show the Zemi in a recumbent or crouching position, however scholars posit that their curled portrayal resemble those of frogs. An intricate and fabulous example from ancient Hispaniola! Size: 4.1" L x 2.4" W x 2.5" H (10.4 cm x 6.1 cm x 6.4 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. 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 J. Hart Collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired in mid-1970s
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#167555
Condition
Intact and excellent. Collection numbers are painted on base.