**Originally Listed At $3000**

Pre-Columbian, Caribbean/Florida, Taino / Arawak people, ca. 15th century CE. Wow! One of the largest Taino carvings we have seen, from a culture of master stonemakers. This large piece of grey stone has been carved into the shape of a crouched jaguar, its curved back raised above its legs, which are carved in relief against the body as if ready to spring. The head is down, but has some human features: enormously emphasized, skull-like eyes, opening for a nose, and leering teeth. Size: 14.7" L x 3.25" W x 8.25" H (37.3 cm x 8.3 cm x 21 cm)

The form here represents a common theme in Taino religious practice: the ability of a shaman to be transformed into a jaguar in order to meditate between good and evil.

Provenance: ex-Platt Friedenberg collection, 1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#156030

Intact, with a few small chips, nicks, and scratches commensurate with age, notably from around the rim of one eye.