Ca. 600-1500 AD. Fine-grained, hard stone. 13 7/8″ long x 2 1/2″ deep x 1 1/4″ wide. Full-bodied snake distinguished by the central line with two alternating rows of triangular forms running the full length of the snake. Although this piece is characterized as a serpent, there are two outward facing owl heads engraved vertically on the belly. They are crowned top and bottom by two more avian heads. Here we find a reference to the primary mainland god Quetzalcoatl or the feathered serpent. The scepter likely acted as a mediator between the cacique and Quetzalcoatl. Provenance: From the Patrick Lannan estate, Palm Beach, 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.
