Ca. 600-1500 AD. Dominican Republic. Made of stone which is a contrast of a light grey green body interspersed with spots and lines of a darker stone. Triangulate profile. A long, wide, relief carved bird bill covers the front of the Zemi. Water symbols decorate either side of the beak. The back of the Zemi has a full set of embossed wings with long relief carved human like legs. The legs are attached to the wings indicating human intent. Bird men were shamans in the Taino culture. The base is concave cupped and polished following the Taino design ethic for Zemis. 10 1/4″ long. 7 lbs. Provenance: The Larry Roberts collection, author of “Taino Sculptures, Art of the Gods”, “Taino Hallucinogenic Implements Inhaling the Cosmic Dust”, and the newly released “Taino Zemis and Other Heads of State, Rediscovering Caribbean Art”. Museum displays of Taino Art, Orlando Museum of Art and Santa Fe College, Gainesville, Florida. Condition consistent with age and use.
