Ca. 600-1500 AD. Jasper-like stone. 7 3/4″ high x 11 1/2″ wide. The cone distinctly forms a robust, toothy jawline that divides the cone in half. On either side of the cone, incised bird head eyes combining with the cone’s might mouth to create two separate spirit heads. Following the contour of the cone, it appears the spirit heads may be snakes. It is common practice among Taino craftsmen to add from one to five spirit forms to a zemi or cemi. The prominent head has deeply recessed eyes with exceedingly thick eye rims. The mouth is broad and rimmed as well. A relief-carved headband crests the cabeza and terminates into duck-head ear ornaments. All are idealized Taino characteristics applied to Yucahu imagery, the foremost male god of the Taino culture. At the opposite end of the zemi, embossed legs bend down to the base and end at the feet. The base is concave, deeply cupped and polished. The piece is boldly carved and the incisions on the cone are exceptional. A rare and impressive piece. Provenance: Former collection of Eliot Elisofon, New York City, to Pre-Columbian art dealer Robert Sonin, New York City. Purchased at the NYC Antiques and Art Pier Show, 2008. 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.
