Ca. 600-1500 AD. Dense basaltic stone. 2 1/4″ high x 5″ long x 3 1/2″ wide. A fully three-dimensional anthropomorphic figure probably representing Atabey. Atabey is the goddess of fertility, as suggested by the hands on stomach and a swollen vagina (see pg. 118 Taino Sculpture Art of the Gods, Roberts, 2023). Although relatively small for a Taino sculpture, it makes up for its lack of stature with its fine details. An expressive face reflects the anguish of childbirth. An exceptionally large head emerges from between the legs that surround the perimeter and come to rest behind the heroine’s head. The arms and legs are carved in high relief and the incised symbols are precisely engraved. When looking at the piece inverted and from the rear, a ghost face appears. To complete the face, the composition incorporates the bulging vagina as the nose, the rosette designs as the eyes, and the toothy grin as the mouth. The back is nicely engraved. Provenance: From the estate of Jack Nicleson, Professor of Art, University of Florida. Curated by Larry Roberts, author of Taino Sculpture Art of the Gods, Taino Hallucinogenic Implements Inhaling the Cosmic Dust, and Taino Zemis and Other Heads of State, Rediscovering Caribbean Art. BS in Archaeology, University of Florida and BA in Art History, University of Florida. Museum displays of Taino Art, Orlando Museum of Art (2013-2014) and Santa Fe College (2024-Present). Mr. Roberts has been a collector of Caribbean Pre-Columbian art for the last 60 years. Age appropriate wear.
