Rare Small Taino Stone Zemi

**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Caribbean, Hispaniola, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A relatively small example of a zemi. Taino art is comprised of many religious objects associated with the worship of "zemis" - a term referring to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. This stone represents a sacred zemi figure with a cadaverous skull-like visage. Owners of zemi figures have traditionally honored them with offerings of food or precious gifts. Each Zemi had its own identity and name, personality, distinct characteristics, and powers. Size: 2.1" W x 2.25" H (5.3 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#141686
Condition Report: Wear on surface commensurate with age. Light encrustation in the lower profile areas. Smoothing to features from handling.