Taino Cacica Shaman in an Ecstatic Trance

Ca. 1200-1500 AD. Magnetite. 9 3/4″ high x 4″ wide x 9″ deep. The figure is kneeling, grasping her breasts, accentuating her stress. The Cacica’s tormented face and skeletal form suggest the process of a long shamanic initiation ritual. The rituals include weeks of fasting, repeated hallucinogenic ordeals and physical deprivation. Her legs have two bands of bird-head configurations and her knees have bird-head rosettes. Between her thigh a swollen vagina is indicated, possibly a reference to female fertility. Here is the work of a master craftsman, a superb carving of an elite woman in the realm of a phenomenological experience. This carving was used in rituals by the Taino people. Cemis were important shamans/leaders, deities, or ancestors that represented various aspects of nature and life and were used for guidance, protection or assistance. The Taino were the first Indigenous group that Columbus met on his maiden voyage to the Caribbean. Cemis were channels to the ancient gods and were used ceremonially during hallucinogenic journeys. Taino art reflects their fascination with the afterlife and with divine influence from antediluvian gods. Provenance: Originally purchased from a collection in La Vega, Dominican Republic, by Daniel Pucura, a New York City Pre-Columbian dealer who specialized in Taino Art. The Larry Roberts collection, 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.