Fine Taino Stone Carved Zemi God
Of the many here, this particular Taino Zemi God amulet, I remember well. It was dug on St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgins. The boy who brought it to me was digging the foundation for a smokehouse on the east end of the island, this and another piece. I can safely say, it was also made there. It is of a soft white and smokey black/gray fine figured native marble, the open pit of which is alongside the southern road from Charlotte Amalia to the east end, about half way. Of a polished hard stone of nearly the appearance of jade, this Zemi God has a skull-like wide mouthed head with hollowed eye sockets and rayed head gear. In a crouching attitude he sits on his heels. His hands clasped across his mid section, there it is bow drilled through for a suspension and also bow-drilled from either side through its neck. as well as 'v' drilled from back of his neck. All drill holes meet in the middle, his back is arched. The figure rightly projects religions overtones. Fine condition, uncleaned, it retains much of its original polished surface. 2 3/4" inches tall x 1 1/4" inches across. Early to mid second phase, around 1000-1100 A.D.