Description:

**Originally Listed At $500**

Pre-Columbian, Caribbean Islands, Dominican Republic, Arawak People, Taino, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A large effigy figure known as a zemi carved from stone, depicting a figure lying on his back with hands crossed over the chest and a projecting head. The face is pecked and polished to create round and deep-socketed eyes and slightly parted lips. The nostrils have concentric circles etched into the surface, perhaps to denote nose piercings or studs. Taino art is comprised of many cult objects associated with the worship of "zemis." The term zemi refers to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits. Zemis like this example are believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. Owners of zemi figures traditionally honored them with offerings of food or precious gifts, and each had its own identity and name, personality, and powers. Size: 9" L x 4" W x 6.5" H (22.9 cm x 10.2 cm x 16.5 cm)

Provenance: private Redwood City, California, USA 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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#183504

  • Condition: Old abrasions and losses to the top of the head and chips throughout. Light mineral deposits. Some softening to finer details, but overall good condition with some age and exposure expected weathering.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 1, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000