PRE COLUMBIAN TAINO ANTHROPIC CACIQUE OR ANCESTOR

Taino. Anthropic sculpture of a cacique (chief) or ancestor. The figure is posed in a drug induced dream state, sitting with hands on knees, looking forward. The large eyes probably indicate pupils have dilated, as happens when under the influence of the hallucinogen cohoba: the preferred drug of the Taino. This form is a typical design element in Taino art. On top of the head are 2 interlocking bird head symbols. Well defined eye and mouth surrounds are regularly seen motifs. The ear ornaments are portrayed as duck heads. The nose and mouth combine to create a dog’s head. In Taino mythology, the dog was associated with the underworld and a guide for passage through the land of the dead. Therefore, the dog may indicate the figure is an ancestor. Marble. From the Alexander Rood collection (1940s-1970s) of the Dominican Republic sold to Alfredo Carrada Arroind in 1990. NYC and Miami. About 10 1/4 X 4 1/2 inches. This lot has a reserve.