Ca. 600-1500 AD. Marble. 11 1/4″ long x 5 1/4″ wide. Both figures are in a sitting position with hands on knees, a mouths agape, and looking forward. This pose represents the ecstatic state when a cacique or tribal elite snuffs the hallucinogen cohoba and/or wild tobacco. Twins were part of the creation myth. Incised interlocking bird heads appear on the medallion that covers the top of the heads, between the heroes’ forms and as a band at the center of the ax. This symbol dominates the iconic text, representing the various aspects of the weather. Spirit portals are found at the shoulders and hips. These portals are placed at joint junctures, places where positive and negative spirits could enter and exit the body. The ax comes with a metal museum mount specifically made for this piece. Provenance: Originally purchased from the Origins Gallery in Boston, Massachusetts. To a private Philadelphia, Pennsylvania collection. 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.
