TAINO SNAKE CEMI DARK GREEN SERPENTINE SCULPTURE

Taino. Snake Cemi. Mouth is open with teeth. Eyes are slit. Interlocking bird heads are Incised next to head. The primary snake worshipped by the Taino was the indigenous rainbow boa. It’s skin was colorful and iridescent. Snakes symbolized water i.e. rivers and clouds. One creation myth has the Taino emerging from a cave, another snake symbol. A well defined head and undulating body are carved down a piece of dark green serpentine with reflective mica inclusions. Base is Incised with radiating circle and other symbolic imagery. From a private collection curated by Larry Roberts author of “Taino Sculpture, Art of the Gods” and “Taino Hallucinogenic Implements Inhaling the Cosmic Dust” From the Taino Classic Period c 1200-1500 AD Originally from the Dominican Republic. This lot has a reserve.