Pre-Columbian, Caribbean / Florida, Taino people, ca. 15th century CE. A small, charming stone amulet, in classic Taino style with enormous eyes and mouth (probably representing a hallucinogenic high), arms and legs flailed back, and projecting male anatomy. The stone is a black and grey flecked warm beige. Taino spirituality, which focused on the spirit of the ancestors and the god of the cassava, their primary crop, was mediated by a class of priests (bohiques), who often engaged in the taking of hallucinogenic drugs to aid in rituals and ceremonies. This figure probably represented one of these priests and may have been used to help invoke that state. This is a rare style of figure in perfect condition. Size: 1.95" W x 2.5" H (5 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection

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.

#117307

Excellent