Pre-Columbian, Caribbean islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, or Jamaica, Taino Indians, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. Hand carved from a single piece of wood, a large wooden spoon featuring a standing skeletal deity figure (zemi) of an angular form, squatting with bony hands placed upon his knees. 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 spoon represents a sacred zemi figure with a cadaverous visage and a bony body presenting fabulous details on both sides; note the meticulously delineated ribs, jutting collar bones, eye sockets, nasal cavity, open mouth, vivid genitalia, headdress, and pierced ears ready to suspend decorative ornaments. There are three pairs of perforations at the upper end of the spoon as well. So rare to find a wooden example that has survived the tests of time! Custom stand. Size: 17" L x 5.25" W (43.2 cm x 13.3 cm); 17.25" H (43.8 cm) on stand

The Taino peoples of the Greater Antilles created some of the most intriguing visual culture of the Caribbean during the Precolumbian era, most dramatic of the iconography is the zemi, a term referring to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits. These zemis are believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. Zemis are understood as objects of concentrated power with the ability to impact their owners both positively and negatively, thought to affect fertility and productivity as well as social and political activities. 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.

Provenance: private Roberts collection, Gainesville, Florida, USA, acquired before 1990

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#124648

Age cracks and minor losses commensurate with age as shown. Wonderful lustrous patina.