100% of the Hammer price of all lots sold in this auction will be donated to Community Food Share by Artemis Gallery. $1.00 = 3 meals!

**Originally Listed At $2000**

Pre-Columbian, Hispaniola, Greater Antilles Islands, Taino/ Arawak Indians, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. Among the only items specifically referenced by Spanish chroniclers of the 15th century, a quintessential example of a three pointer stone with a large conically formed central raised point, the Zemi figure face with meticulously pecked and incised skeletal features, i.e. those round deep-socketed eyes, prominent nasal cavity, wide open mouth, and double-lobed ears. On the verso and wrapping around to the front are finely incised stylized geometric motifs adding to the impressive aesthetic presence of this piece. Size: 7" W x 7" H (17.8 cm x 17.8 cm)

Taino art is comprised of many cult objects associated with the worship of "zemis". The term zemi refers to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits. The Zemi (or Cemi) stone, with its characteristic three cardinal points, is a fundamental symbol in the Taino religion. Tainos traditionally name the three points "Yocahu Bagua Maorocoti" -- another word for the Creator, Yaya. Zemis like this example are believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. The uppermost point represents the top of this sacred mountain peak, in the turey (sky) of the four directions, where Yaya - the Creator, whose name means that which has neither beginning nor end and which has no male ancestor or creator - resides. The 'chin' point represents Coabey, the underworld or place of the dead. Here Hupia, the spirit of the dead, resides, and the face of Guayaba, the Chief of Coabey, is represented. Finally, the opposite point represents the land of the living where Goiz, the spirit of living people, resides. A similar three-pointer example is shown in fig. 29a, p. 117 in "The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus", (Irving Rouse, 1992).

Provenance: ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection with old collection/museum label 65.hg.987

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.

#126578

Surface showing wear from burial with nice deep deposits; surface clearly pecked with minor chips here and there.



“To eliminate hunger in Boulder and Broomfield Counties through engagement, collaboration, and leadership…”

Community Food Share is a Feeding America food bank serving those in need with access to fresh, nutritious food and nutrition education, with a special emphasis on children, seniors, and other populations of greatest need.